The Invisible Epidemic: Child Sexual Violence and Cultural Silence in Bangladesh's Patriarchal Structure In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed a disturbing surge in child sexual violence (CSV). Child sexual violence (CSV) in Bangladesh can be termed as an “invisible epidemic” due to systemic silencing , cultural taboos , and structural neglect that obscure its prevalence and consequences. This phenomenon, though not new, has gained greater public attention due to high-profile cases that reveal systemic issues within societal structures, law enforcement, and institutional responses. This piece seeks to analyze child sexual violence through an anthropological lens, linking the increase in incidents to cultural norms and gender dynamics within Bangladeshi society. In doing so, it explores how psychological frameworks address the long-lasting trauma experienced by survivors, the power dynamics that perpetua...
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Shattered Childhoods: The Long Shadow of Sexual Violence on Bangladeshi Children
In Bangladesh, where childhood should be a time of joy and innocence, a grim reality unfolds—children are increasingly falling victim to sexual violence. This deeply entrenched issue is not merely a statistic; it reflects a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors that have reached alarming proportions. A recent case involving the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura starkly illustrates the silent suffering endured by countless children across the nation. The incident in Magura has drawn significant attention due to its horrific nature. While visiting her sister's in-laws, the young girl was brutally assaulted by her sister's father-in-law, leaving her critically injured and unconscious. This case is emblematic of a broader pattern of child sexual violence in Bangladesh, where societal norms often prioritize family reputation over the well-being of victims. Families frequently suppress such incidents to avoid public shame, which perpetuates a culture ...
Embracing Fluidity: Bleeding in the Streets - An Ethnographic Tale
In anthropology, the relationship between bodily experiences and societal taboos presents a rich area for investigation, particularly regarding the menstruation of the vulnerable community, such as street children. Deep in the concretescape , where shadows dance and the city’s symphony hums a chaotic tune, a different kind of story unfolds. Here, on the unforgiving streets, reside children—cast adrift from the comforts of home. Their lives are a tapestry woven with vulnerability, resilience, and the constant struggle for survival. My name is Anika , and for months, I’ve walked these streets alongside these remarkable children. Today, I want to share a story often shrouded in silence—the story of menstruation and its unique significance in their lives. In the world of anthropology , menstruation has long been a topic of fascination, often viewed as a source of “pollution” and taboo. The concept of 'pollution' plays a significant role in the symbolic interpretation of m...