Transcript:
With the warmer climate, strong storms, floods and landslides are becoming more common.
These disasters are associated with higher domestic violence against women – even if the weather events ended for a long time.
In a recent study, Jenevieve Mannell of University College London and his team analyzed data on the prevalence of intimate partner violence in 156 countries.
They compared it with data on weather disasters in each country.
Mannell: “Our analysis shows that two years after the disaster, violence by intimate partners has increased, which is associated with certain types of disasters (especially storms, landslides and floods).
Her research did not analyze the reasons for the increase. But other studies have shown that disasters can amplify many of the risk factors for domestic violence.
For example, extreme weather events can lead to food insecurity.
Mannell: “This can create stress in the family in ways that can lead to violence within the family.”
Disaster-induced unrest can lead to substance abuse, which can also increase risks.
Therefore, Mannell said the response to climate change should include developing plans to protect women’s safety.
Report Credit: Sarah Kennedy/Chavobart Digital Media
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