Domestic violence
The Parliament has passed a bill aimed to protect women and children from physical, sexual and psychological abuse and other forms of domestic violence. The bill was passed against the backdrop of widespread domestic violence in the country.
The Bill is a step forward in reaching the ultimate goal of providing women what they deserve. It will certainly have a healthy impact on Bangladeshi politics. The bill, when made into law with the assent of the Honourable President, would enable a victim to lodge complaints with a judicial or metropolitan magistrate seeking protection against domestic violence. The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, however, will come into effect on a date to be fixed by the government through a gazette notification.
Violence against women is considered one of the worst forms of human rights violation and public health concern around the world. The United Nations Development Fund for Women estimates that at least one in every three women is beaten, raped, or otherwise abused during her lifetime. A 2005 World Health Organization study found that at least one in every five women reporting physical abuse had never before told anyone about it.
The bill defines as domestic violence any physical and mental torture, sexual harassment and psychological harassment of a woman or child by any member of the family.
Unless male chauvinism, which should have no place in our country, is countered with courage and determination, the bill will be stonewalled.
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