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Understanding the link between heat and intimate partner violence

Author

Listed:
  • Adrián Santonja

    (German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), University of Potsdam & Berlin School of Economics)

  • Laura Schmitz

    (German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin))

  • Judit Vall

    (Universitat de Barcelona & IEB)

Abstract

Even though one in four women worldwide has experienced violence from an intimate partner IPV) at least once in their lifetime, some of the factors driving it remain poorly understood. This study quantifies the impact of extreme temperatures on IPV seasonality, with a particular focus on its increase during the summer months. Using granular administrative data on IPV in Spain for the period 2006-2022, we find that extreme heat leads to a 6% rise in total IPV offences, with a stronger increase for severe cases. We explore several mechanisms, including increased time exposure to the partner and potential modifications in reporting behaviour. Importantly, we also show that the effects are stronger in areas facing substantial negative labour market shocks. Our projections indicate that a rise in average temperatures would result in 85-190 additional severe IPV offences per year, emphasizing the role of climate resilience for the successful implementation of IPV prevention strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrián Santonja & Laura Schmitz & Judit Vall, 2025. "Understanding the link between heat and intimate partner violence," Working Papers 2025/09, Institut d'Economia de Barcelona (IEB).
    • Handle: RePEc:ieb:wpaper:doc2025-09
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    File URL: https://ieb.ub.edu/publication/2025-08-understanding-the-link-between-heat-and-intimate-partner-violence/
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    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • K38 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Human Rights Law; Gender Law; Animal Rights Law
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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