Title: Sexual Violence against Women: Evaluating the Degree of Community Awareness
Authors: Dr Ajmari Sharmin, Dr Tanusree Majumder, Dr Saima Akhtar Chowdhury, Dr Susmita Bhadra, Dr Sumaia Subnum, Dr Nilufar Yasmin
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i4.02
Abstract
Violence against women (VAW) is a global phenomenon that exists beyond cultural, geographical, religious, social and economic context. In Bangladesh, sexual violence is an emblem of patriarchy in the guise of tradition and it has emphasized social, behavioural and structural misogyny that has been manifested day by day. It has become an important emerging issue which needs integrated community awareness and support to fight against it. This cross-sectional study aims at finding out the level of awareness regarding violence against women and was conducted among 191 community adult people aged 18 years old and above and those who satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 5th May, 2019 to 9th May, 2019 at the Dhamrai Upazilla in Dhaka district. With convenient sampling technique sample was selected and conducted face to face interview through semi structured questionnaire. In the study the majority of the respondent were female (5.8%) and rest of them were male (48.2%). We found that 39.8% people have poor knowledge about sexual violence where as 47.1% have average knowledge and 13.1% have good knowledge. Those who are economically solvent and service holder have better knowledge than others. A wide range of socio-demographic factors had a significant relationship with the knowledge of the respondents regarding sexual violence against women. As it happens in every community and affects people of all genders and ages; businesses, schools and community settings can create proactive policies to facilitate a safer environment.
Keywords: Sexual Violence, Community Awareness, Women
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