Climate change could trigger a surge in domestic violence: Sexual assaults and physical abuse against women increase following storms, floods, and landslides, study warns

Climate change could trigger a surge in domestic violence against women, a concerning new study has revealed.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) analysed how extreme weather events in 156 countries were linked to rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). 

They found that, in the two years following a storm, landslide, or flood, there was a rise in physical abuse and sexual violence. 

This was particularly the case in countries with a lower GDP.

'This happens more often and with increased severity in countries that have patriarchal gender norms and where the use of violence against women is widely accepted as normal behaviour,' said Professor Jenevieve Mannell, lead author of the study. 

In the study, the researchers set out to examine whether or not 'climate shocks' - such as storms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, and wildfire - are linked to rates of IPV.

'Existing evidence has found that when a woman experiences a climate-related event, she is more likely to experience violence in some countries and for some types of violence, but not others,' Professor Mannell said. 

'We set out to explore what was happening at a national level to help inform international climate change policy.'

IPV was defined as any physical and/or sexual violence in the past year.  

The team gathered data on IPV from 363 surveys conducted in 156 countries between 1993 and 2019, focusing on women who currently had a partner. 

They also gathered data on climate shocks from 1920 to 2022 in 190 countries. 

Finally, they analysed the relationship between climate chocks and IPV, while also considering each country's economic status. 

Their analysis revealed a 'significant link' between IPV and storms, landslides and floods. 

However, earthquakes and wildfires did not show a clear link to IPV. 

Meanwhile, countries with higher GDP were found to have lower rates of IPV. 

Writing in their study, published in PLOS Climate, the team said: 'The highest IPV values were measured for Democratic Republic of Congo, followed by Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea.' 

While the reason for the findings remains unclear, the researchers have several theories. 

Professor Mannell explained: 'A small body of evidence shows that heat and humidity increases aggressive behaviours, including violence. 

'Climate-related disasters increase stress and food insecurity in families in ways that can lead to increases in violence. 

'They also reduce the social services often available for dealing with partner violence, such as police and civil society who are more focused on the disaster.

'At the same time, governments may put in place shelters for disaster relief which are often overcrowded and unsafe, without thinking about the risks of sexual violence.'

Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for 'urgent climate mitigation and adaptation efforts' around the world. 

In a statement, the team said: 'This could include mentioning "violence against women" in Nationally Determined Contributions (the climate change commitments countries make) and allocating finances to address it, or developing Climate Change Gender Action Plans.'

The team also advise that violence against women needs to be considered in countries' disaster planning processes.