Women's coping strategies and help-seeking practices: Some observations on domestic violence in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

This article examines the coping strategies and help-seeking practices of women victims of domestic violence perpetrated by their husbands in rural Bangladesh. By drawing on 39 semi-structured in-depth interviews, conducted in eight rural settings in Netrokona and Mymensingh districts, it was found that the abused women tried to cope with domestic violence in many ways. Making their marriages work at any cost was their prime motivation in coping with violence. Moreover, they tolerated domestic violence because they were concerned about their own future and that of their children. At times, some women spoke back to their husbands. In extreme cases, some left the abusive relationships. With regard to help-seeking, they largely sought assistance from informal networks, such as parents, relatives, neighbors, community leaders and community-based NGOs and only a few sought formal support from legal and institutional agencies. It was noted that the dynamics of both the coping strategies and help-seeking practices were very complex. Women's vulnerabilities were well-exposed in both cases. Neither informal nor formal support could ensure sufficient protection for women. Sometimes, seeking help aggravated women's condition in many ways. It is, therefore, suggested that the existing drawbacks in both informal and formal support mechanisms must be eliminated in order to render appropriate services to the victims.