Girls' Physical Safety Has to Be Ensured at Home Too

When discussions about girls' safety arise in Bangladesh, attention is often focused on schools, roads, public transport and other public places. However, an equally important question is frequently overlooked: Are girls physically safe inside their own homes? The home is generally considered a place of love, protection and security, but for some girls, it can also become a place where they face physical violence, intimidation and abuse. Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving girls' access to education and employment. Yet social attitudes, family conflicts, poverty, gender discrimination and lack of awareness continue to create risks for many girls. Physical punishment, excessive control, domestic violence and other forms of abuse can have serious consequences for a girl's physical and emotional well-being.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable because they often depend entirely on adults for protection. They may also hesitate to speak about violence committed by someone they know or trust. Fear of punishment, family pressure, social stigma and concerns about damaging family honour can prevent victims from reporting abuse. As a result, incidents occurring inside homes may remain hidden for years. Parents and guardians have the first responsibility to create a safe environment. Discipline should never depend on beating, slapping or humiliating children. Girls should be taught that no one has the right to hurt them physically, regardless of their relationship with them. At the same time, parents should listen patiently when a child reports feeling unsafe rather than immediately dismissing her concerns.

Schools can also play an important role. Teachers should educate students about personal safety, boundaries and how to seek help when they face abuse. Schools should maintain safe and confidential mechanisms through which students can report problems. Counselling and awareness programs can help girls develop the confidence to speak up when something is wrong.

Society must also challenge the culture of silence surrounding violence against girls. Protecting family reputation can never be more important than protecting a child's life and dignity. Relatives and neighbours should not ignore clear signs of abuse simply because the problem occurs within a private household. Where appropriate, responsible authorities and child-protection services should be contacted. The government and law-enforcement agencies also have a vital role. Laws protecting children and women must be properly enforced, while victims should have access to medical care, psychological support and legal assistance. Public awareness campaigns should reach both urban and rural communities so that families understand that violence is not an acceptable method of discipline or control.