Climate change amplifies risks of intimate partner violence, disproportionately affecting women. New research links disasters like floods to increased IPV rates. (CREDIT: CC BY-SA 4.0) The escalating consequences of climate change are reshaping human lives and societies worldwide. Increasingly frequent natural disasters, such as cyclones, floods, and heatwaves, alongside chronic shifts like rising sea levels and higher average temperatures, threaten not only ecosystems but also social stability. These changes disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, where limited resources and inequities make recovery from climate shocks exceedingly difficult. Amid these challenges, one less visible consequence of climate change has begun to emerge: a rise in intimate partner violence (IPV). Globally, more than 30% of women experience violence from a partner during their lifetime, with prevalence varying by region. Studies suggest a concerning link between climate shocks and IPV, particularly in areas already grappling with poverty and social inequality . Countries recently impacted by climate disasters often report higher levels of IPV, making this issue an urgent focus for researchers and policymakers alike. Distribution of IPV for country-year data points. (CREDIT: PLOS Climate) Gender norms play a significant role in how climate shocks affect households. In many societies, women bear primary responsibility for securing food and caregiving, roles that intensify during times of crisis. Food insecurity, reduced household income, and malnutrition—all exacerbated by climate change—fall disproportionately on women. These pressures increase their vulnerability, as they must navigate both environmental hardships and domestic instability. Economic insecurity further compounds this issue. Climate shocks disrupt livelihoods and undermine men’s roles as primary earners in many households, contributing to stress and diminished mental health . In turn, this can lead to an escalation in IPV, as women’s negotiating power within households diminishes, making it harder for them to escape violent situations. Access to land, property, […]
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