Threats and deprivations as predictors of IPV perpetration: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of Bangladeshi young adults.
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Gender-inequitable attitudes were associated with childhood deprivation and, to a more limited extent, intimate partner violence perpetration. However, most gender-attitude domains did not independently predict perpetration after adjustment; only more equitable attitudes about women’s career choices were associated with lower odds of violence. The discussion emphasizes that intimate partner violence is embedded in broader gendered and socio-cultural contexts and calls for gender-sensitive, culturally tailored, multi-level prevention that addresses childhood adversity alongside structural and social conditions.
Objectives To examine associations between two dimensions of adverse childhood experiences—threat and deprivation—and intimate partner violence perpetration among young adults in Bangladesh, while accounting for socioeconomic, educational, religious, regional, and gender-attitude factors.
Methods This nationally representative cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 Gender Norms Attitude Study. Participants were 2,016 married or partnered adults aged 18–35 (800 men and 1,216 women) selected through multistage random sampling across all eight divisions of Bangladesh. Intimate partner violence perpetration was measured with the four-item Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream scale, and childhood adversity was classified as threat or deprivation. Gender attitudes were measured using the 13-item Multidomain Gender Norm Attitude Scale, covering gender-appropriate behavior, family financial decision-making, family responsibilities, and career choice; higher scores indicated more gender-equitable attitudes. Multivariable and gender-stratified logistic regression analyses assessed associations with perpetration.
Results Intimate partner violence perpetration was reported by 59.88% of men and 41.53% of women. Threat-related childhood adversity was associated with 2.57 times higher adjusted odds of perpetration, while deprivation was associated with 75% higher odds. Deprivation was also associated with less equitable gender attitudes in several domains for both men and women. After adjustment, most gender-attitude domains were not independently associated with perpetration; only more progressive career-choice attitudes were protective (adjusted odds ratio=0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.97). Higher socioeconomic status was also protective, while substantial regional differences were observed.
Conclusions Childhood threat and deprivation are important predictors of intimate partner violence perpetration among young adults in Bangladesh. Prevention efforts should distinguish between forms of childhood adversity and incorporate trauma-informed, gender-sensitive approaches while addressing socioeconomic and regional conditions. The authors emphasize culturally sensitive strategies that recognize gendered pathways to violence and the broader contexts in which violence occurs.
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