Threats and deprivations as predictors of IPV perpetration: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of Bangladeshi young adults.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern in Bangladesh, where approximately two-thirds of women report experiencing partner violence and over half of young men admit to perpetrating it. While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are among the strongest predictors of IPV, existing research has relied on cumulative ACE scores, overlooking how distinct dimensions of childhood adversity may differentially predict violence. This study examines the relationship between two dimensions of ACEs, threat (eg, exposure to violence) and deprivation (eg, lack of emotional or cognitive support) and IPV perpetration among Bangladeshi young adults. Cross-sectional survey. Bangladeshi youths aged 18-35 years across the eight divisions who participated in the national Gender Norms Attitude Study in 2022. Of the 2790 participants, 2016 (mean age 28.27, SD 5.11) were included in this study as they were either married or in a committed relationship. The primary outcome measures were IPV perpetration, assessed using the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream scale. The primary exposures were two dimensions of childhood adversity (ACE): threat and deprivation, derived from the nine items commonly used in public health research. Overall, 59.88% of men and 41.53% of women reported having perpetrated IPV. Both threat (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.57; 95% CI 2.03 to 3.23) and deprivation (aOR=1.75; 95% CI 1.39 to 2.20) ACEs significantly associated higher odds of IPV perpetration. Women had lower odds of perpetration than men (aOR=0.41; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.52), as did those with higher socioeconomic status (aOR=0.83), whereas the odds varied by region (eg, highest in Barisal, aOR=4.40).ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of adopting a dimensional approach to ACEs and considering regional and socioeconomic factors in IPV prevention efforts. By integrating these findings into public health interventions and policy frameworks, Bangladesh and other low- and middle-income countries can develop more effective, culturally sensitive strategies to reduce IPV and its devastating consequences.