Missing Dynamics of Spousal Violence Discourse in Bangladesh: Measuring the Economic Costs

This study, first of its kind in Bangladesh, was undertaken by the CPD in view of the serious social and economic consequences of spousal violence which may have an impact on the national productivity of the country. The study has performed in-depth interviews of 200 revealed cases of spousal violence victims to estimate the costs involved for availing healthcare, shelter, criminal justice, legal services and social services.

The study finds that total cost per victim for getting these services was Tk. 18,917. Extrapolating the costs per victim for all the women who suffer from spousal violence, this study finds that the cost of spousal violence is equivalent to 2.86 per cent of the GDP of Bangladesh. Even so, this figure is an underestimation of the real costs since the psychological and non-monetary social costs could not be quantified in this study. The findings of the study was presented at a national dialogue organised by the CPD, and was widely used for advocacy purpose; and this combined effort was reflected in the recently passed Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2010 in the national parliament of Bangladesh.

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