A new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers has uncovered a troubling connection between climate shocks—such as storms, landslides, and floods—and a rise in intimate partner violence (IPV). Published in PLOS Climate, the research highlights how countries affected by severe climate change may also experience higher rates of violence against women, especially in the years following extreme weather events.
The research team gathered data from 363 surveys. These surveys were conducted between 1993 and 2019 across 156 countries. The focus was on women who currently had a partner. They also analyzed data on climate shocks—extreme weather events like storms and floods—collected from 190 countries between1920 and 2022.
Intimate partner violence, as defined in the study, included physical and/or sexual violence experienced by women within the past year. The study aimed to determine whether women were more likely to suffer IPV in the aftermath of a climate-related disaster.
KEY FINDINGS
Climate Shocks and Intimate Partner Violence
The researchers discovered a significant connection between climate shocks and increased intimate partner violence. This rise was observed in the two years following the events. Storms, landslides, and floods were linked to higher rates of IPV. However, other events like earthquakes and wildfires did not show a clear connection.
Interestingly, countries with higher GDP experienced lower rates of IPV overall. This indicates that economic stability may play a role in mitigating violence in the aftermath of climate disasters.
WHY SOME CLIMATE SHOCKS HAVE A GREATER IMPACT
The study did not determine the reasons behind certain climate shocks having a stronger impact on intimate partner violence. Examples include storms and floods. The researchers suggest that the effects of different shocks may manifest at different times. The two-year window studied might not have captured the full impact due to data limitations.
Professor Jenevieve Mannell, lead author from the UCL Institute for Global Health, commented on the findings, saying: “When women experience climate-related disasters, they are more likely to face violence in certain situations, but this depends on the type of violence and the country.”
ROLE OF CLIMATE IN INCREASING VIOLENCE
The researchers pointed to several factors that could explain the link between climate-related disasters and increased violence. Climate shocks often lead to stress and food insecurity. These conditions can exacerbate tensions within families. This may lead to increases in aggression and violence. In addition, the strain on social services during a climate disaster is significant. It affects the police and civil society groups. As a result, support available for women experiencing IPV is often reduced.
Temporary shelters set up for disaster relief are another potential danger zone. “These shelters are often overcrowded and unsafe, increasing the risk of sexual violence,” Professor Mannell explained.
GENDER NORMS AND PATRIARCHAL SOCIETIES
The study also highlighted that the risks of violence against women tend to increase in countries with patriarchal gender norms. In these countries, violence against women is more widely accepted. The researchers stressed that structural inequalities and gender-based discrimination make women more vulnerable during and after climate shocks.
ADDRESSING THE ISSUE: CLIMATE POLICY AND GENDER
The study’s findings underscore the need for climate change policies that address violence against women. The researchers argue that efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change should also focus on reducing IPV.
Countries should include violence against women in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are commitments made to combat climate change. Countries like Samoa and Fiji have already developed Climate Change Gender Action Plans to address these issues.
The team also recommends that disaster planning should incorporate measures to protect women from violence. Planners should specifically focus on addressing gender-based violence in the aftermath of climate shocks.
The Need for More Data
Collecting Comprehensive Information
One of the study’s key recommendations is for countries to collect more regular data on violence against women. The researchers emphasized the importance of frequent data collection. It is crucial to understand the full impact of climate shocks on intimate partner violence.
“Better data will help us understand which climate shocks have the greatest impact. This understanding will allow for more informed policy decisions,” said Professor Mannell.
The research team believes that increasing awareness of the link between climate change and violence against women is crucial. This awareness is critical in shaping effective global policies.
Moving Forward: Reducing Violence Through Climate Action
International Collaboration
This study was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC). It was a collaborative effort that involved researchers from the University of Exeter, the South African Medical Research Council, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The team hopes that the findings will inform international climate policy. They also aim to spur action to protect women in the wake of climate disasters.
As the world grapples with the growing impact of climate change, we must prioritize protecting women from violence. Governments and international organizations can help reduce intimate partner violence by incorporating gender-sensitive policies into climate change strategies. These policies can improve the safety and well-being of women in vulnerable regions.
