They said apart from increasing awareness, legal aid is necessary to stop domestic violence.

The consultation meeting on 'Domestic Violence: In search of a Legal Framework' was organised by Bangladesh National Women Lawyer's Association (BNWLA) in the city.

The meeting was held as a part of a BNWLA research project titled 'Combating Violence against Women and Children' at its shelter home.

Manusher Jonno, a non-government organisation, is funding the project.

A research study conducted last year revealed that 51 percent of 313 women were the victims of spousal abuse since their marriage, and only 55 percent of them went for legal actions.

Ninety-nine percent of 72 lawyers thought that spousal abuse should be treated as a crime, but they prefer to solve the problems through mutual understanding.

Meanwhile, 98 percent of 55 police could not arrest the spousal abusers for lack of proper law, said the study.

The meeting had threadbare discussions on the definition of domestic violence, nature of the trial of domestic violence cases and interim protection for the victims and witnesses.

Recommendations for more shelter homes and treatment facilities for the victims, and coordination among the police, doctors, lawyers and shelter home authorities also came out from the study and the meeting.

The speakers said wife abuse cases should be taken under the jurisdiction of family court with proper implementation of the existing laws.

BNWLA Executive Director Salma Ali blamed the patriarchal society for domestic violence and laid emphasis on the enactment of domestic violence prevention law.

"As violated women who come to us mostly want a peaceful and mutual solution, only legal aid will not however work much without steps to stop domestic violence," she added.

BNWLA Secretary Advocate Fahmida Nasrin, Advocate Sharmin Farooq, Advocate Towhida Khondker, Public Prosecutor Arfan Uddin Khan and Showkat Ullah Khan were also present at the consultation meeting.