Violence against Women with Chronic Maternal Disabilities in Rural Bangladesh.
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Date
2012-06
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Abstract
This study explored violence against women with chronic maternal disabilities in rural Bangladesh. During
November 2006–July 2008, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 rural Bangladeshi women
suffering from uterine prolapse, stress incontinence, or fistula. Results of interviews showed that exposure
to emotional abuse was almost universal, and most women were sexually abused. The common triggers
for violence were the inability of the woman to perform household chores and to satisfy her husband’s
sexual demands. Misconceptions relating to the causes of these disabilities and the inability of the affected
women to fulfill gender role expectations fostered stigma. Emotional and sexual violence increased their
vulnerability, highlighting the lack of life options outside marriage and silencing most of them into accepting
the violence. Initiatives need to be developed to address misperceptions regarding the causes of such
disabilities and, in the long-term, create economic opportunities for reducing the dependence of women
on marriage and men and transform the society to overcome rigid gender norms.
Description
Keywords
Emotional violence, Maternal disabilities, Maternal morbidity, Sexual violence, Bangladesh
Citation
Naved Ruchira T, Blum Lauren S, Chowdhury Sadia, Khan Rasheda, Bilkis Sayeda, Koblinsky Marge. Violence against Women with Chronic Maternal Disabilities in Rural Bangladesh. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2012 Jun; 30(2): 181-192.