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 perpetuate violence, and the critical role of strengthening sexual and
reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for children. In particular, the tragic
case of Assia, a young girl
whose rape and subsequent treatment sparked national outrage, provides a
critical entry point to analyze these interconnected issues.
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. Recently, the death
of 8-year-old Assia in
Magura, Bangladesh—raped by her sister’s father-in-law and succumbing to
injuries after three cardiac arrests—has ignited nationwide outrage. Yet her
case is not an isolated tragedy but a microcosm of systemic power imbalances, rooted in patriarchal norms, structural vulnerabilities, and cultural sanction. In the aftermath of
her death, six new cases surfaced,
including a 7-year-old girl raped
by her uncle in Chittagong and a 10-year-old assaulted by a neighbor in Sylhet.
Anthropology offers
valuable insights into understanding how deeply ingrained cultural norms and
social structures shape behaviors and perceptions of child sexual violence.
Cultural anthropologists have long noted that societal norms around gender
roles, power, and sexuality significantly impact the frequency and nature of
sexual. In Bangladesh, where patriarchy underpins much of the social fabric,
children, especially girls, are often seen as objects or property to be
controlled. This view enables the widespread occurrence of child sexual abuse
and fosters a societal silence around it.
From an anthropological
perspective, child sexual violence is deeply embedded in the cultural landscape
of Bangladesh, where traditional gender roles position men as dominant and
women (and children) as subordinate. The societal normalization of such power
hierarchies creates a fertile ground for sexual exploitation, where violence is
often seen as an extension of male power. The concept of masculinity in
Bangladesh is often associated with dominance and control, which can be
expressed through violent means. This "hegemonic masculinity"
(Connell, 2015) is tied to the idea that men, particularly those in positions
of authority, have the right to dominate and sexually exploit those who are
seen as weaker, such as children. This patriarchal structure prevalent in
Bangladeshi society contributes significantly to the normalization of child
sexual abuse. Cultural norms often prioritize family honor over the well-being
of victims, leading to self-blame and silence among those affected.
Victims—especially girls—may fear repercussions from their families if they
disclose their experiences. This fear perpetuates a cycle of trauma, where
victims are left without support or recourse to justice (UNICEF, 2023).
However, Assia’s assault
occurred within a family structure,
where her sister’s in-laws wielded social
and familial authority. The perpetrator, Hitu Sheikh, exploited his
position to isolate and abuse her—a stark example of how male dominance normalizes
violence within kinship networks. Anthropologist Peggy Sanday’s cross-cultural
study of 156 societies found that rape thrives in cultures emphasizing male aggression and intimate partner violence, often
framed as an “ideology of toughness” for men. Similarly, the Gusii tribe of
Kenya sanctions marital sexual aggression, where men use pain to assert power,
reflecting how rape culture reinforces
patriarchal control (Kalra and Bhugra, 2013).
In rural Bangladesh,
these patriarchal structures are even more pronounced, where traditional
customs often silence the voices of women and children. In such communities,
cultural norms further marginalize the issue of sexual violence, perpetuating a
cycle of victim-blaming and denial. Moreover, how rural communities often
struggle to acknowledge child sexual violence, which is frequently downplayed
or ignored due to the stigmatization of victims. The intersection of poverty,
limited education, and social hierarchies contributes to the normalization of
abuse in these settings.
Psychological Perspectives: Motivating
Factors behind Child Sexual Violence
Psychological research
sheds light on the complex and multifaceted factors that contribute to the
perpetration of child sexual violence. The motivations behind such crimes often
go beyond individual pathology; they are also shaped by environmental factors
such as familial structures, socio-economic stressors, and exposure to
violence. Psychological theories suggest that many perpetrators of child sexual
abuse were themselves victims of abuse, leading to a cycle of trauma that
perpetuates violence.
In Bangladesh, where
poverty and lack of educational opportunities are widespread, many individuals
who commit sexual violence come from backgrounds where they have faced their
own forms of neglect and abuse. These individuals may view sexual violence as a
means of exerting control and dominance, stemming from deep psychological
wounds and a distorted sense of power. Additionally, societal norms that
condone male entitlement to control female bodies may further encourage such
behaviors.
Psychologists have also
pointed to the absence of proper mental health care and counseling services as
a key barrier in addressing the root causes of sexual violence. In Bangladesh,
mental health services remain underdeveloped, particularly in rural areas,
leaving many individuals with unresolved trauma. The lack of education about
healthy relationships and consent further contributes to the persistence of
sexual violence, especially in communities where children are not equipped to
understand or challenge abusive behaviors.
Power Dynamics and Gender Inequality
The power dynamics in
Bangladesh, shaped by patriarchy and rigid gender roles, are central to
understanding why child sexual violence persists. The social fabric of
Bangladesh is deeply patriarchal, where masculinity is associated with
dominance and control, and women and children are often subordinated. This
system allows for the normalization of violence, including sexual violence, as
a means of asserting power and control. The exploitation of children,
particularly girls, becomes an extension of this patriarchal order.
To explore how these
power dynamics manifest in rural Bangladesh, where traditional views on gender
are even more entrenched. In such settings, girls are often expected to submit
to male authority, and their needs for protection and safety are overlooked.
The perpetrators of sexual violence in these communities often operate with
impunity, as victims are silenced by a culture of shame and fear of
retribution. The sociocultural stigma surrounding sexual violence further
discourages survivors from speaking out, allowing the cycle of abuse to
continue.
By challenging these
gendered power structures is essential for reducing the incidence of child
sexual violence. In order to do so, the broader societal views on masculinity,
authority, and gender relations must be critically examined and redefined.
Long-Term Trauma and Its
Effects on Survivors
The trauma experienced by
survivors of child sexual violence is profound and often lifelong.
Psychological research indicates that child sexual abuse can lead to long-term
emotional and psychological effects, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and
difficulties in forming healthy relationships. In Bangladesh, these effects are
compounded by the cultural and social stigma surrounding sexual violence, which
prevents many survivors from seeking the help they need to heal.
Victims of child sexual
violence often struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, which
can be exacerbated by the societal tendency to blame the victim rather than the
perpetrator. In many cases, survivors face additional challenges due to the
lack of support systems and mental health care services. Without proper counseling,
children may grow into adulthood carrying the scars of their abuse, leading to
a cycle of trauma that affects future generations.
Studies of Bangladesh
suggest that survivors, especially those from marginalized communities, often
remain trapped in a system that offers little hope of recovery. In rural areas,
where mental health services are virtually non-existent, children who
experience sexual violence may grow up without access to the therapeutic
support necessary to cope with their trauma. This lack of support, coupled with
cultural taboos surrounding mental health, often leaves survivors to fend for
themselves, compounding their psychological suffering.
Assia’s
death sparked nationwide protests,
with students and women demanding speedy
trials, death penalties,
and resignation of officials.
These demonstrations echo broader calls to dismantle rape culture and impunity. Anthropologically, such
mobilization reflects a grassroots
rejection of patriarchal norms, urging policymakers to prioritize victim-centered justice and sex education. However, systemic
inertia persists: despite promises of a seven-day trial, Bangladesh’s history of delayed justice raises
skepticism.
Strengthening SRHR Rights and Policy
Recommendations
CSV
and early exposure to abuse create multidimensional
vulnerabilities to SRHR crises, rooted in psychological trauma,
physical health risks, and structural neglect. Addressing these issues
requires culturally responsive
policies—such as integrating sex education, victim-centered
justice, and community-led
initiatives—to dismantle power imbalances and empower survivors. By
centering their voices, societies can uphold SRHR as a cornerstone of dignity
and equity. Assia’s story is a microcosm of Bangladesh’s systemic crisis, where power imbalances, structural neglect, and cultural silencing enable child
sexual violence. Anthropological analysis reveals that Assia’s case—like
others—demands holistic
interventions: dismantling patriarchal norms, strengthening legal
protections, and amplifying survivor voices. It underscores the importance of
breaking the silence surrounding these issues through education, advocacy, and
support systems that empower survivors. By fostering an environment where
victims can safely share their experiences without fear of stigma or
retribution, society can begin to address the root causes of child sexual
violence and work toward healing for both individuals and communities.
As protests and grief
continue, Bangladesh must reconcile its cultural context with global human
rights frameworks to uphold SRHR and child welfare. Legal frameworks in Bangladesh, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act and Children Act, provide some protection,
but their enforcement remains weak. There is an urgent need for the government
to strengthen laws that protect children from sexual violence, ensuring that
perpetrators are held accountable.
This write-up emphasizes
the need for systemic reform while highlighting the human stories behind
statistics. It calls for collective action to ensure that no child suffers in
silence and that every victim receives the support they deserve.
Community-based programs play a crucial role in reducing child sexual violence
in Bangladesh by addressing the root causes of this pervasive issue through
education, awareness, and support systems. These programs focus on transforming
societal attitudes and behaviors that condone violence against children,
thereby fostering a safer environment for their growth and development.
Furthermore, training community-based facilitators can
significantly enhance efforts to combat violence. Programs that educate parents
on recognizing and reporting abuse enable families to create safer home
environments. For example, initiatives that encourage open communication
between parents and children help children feel secure in reporting any
incidents of violence they may encounter (Pathfinder International). This
proactive approach not only protects children but also fosters a culture of
accountability within families.
Engaging men and boys in discussions about positive
masculinity is another vital component of community-based programs. By
promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes, these
initiatives can transform societal norms that often perpetuate violence against
children. Programs that involve religious leaders and community influencers to
advocate for children's rights can further amplify these messages, leading to
broader societal change (UN Women Bangladesh, 2023).
Moreover, integrating education on sexual and
reproductive health rights (SRHR) into community programs is essential for
equipping children with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. By
teaching children about their rights and how to recognize inappropriate
behavior, these programs empower them to speak out against abuse. The Families Matter! Program
exemplifies this approach by providing families with skills to communicate
effectively about sensitive topics like violence and sexual abuse.
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