Climate change and weather-related disasters are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of health and well-being. Beyond physical and economic impacts, these events exacerbate gender-based violence (GBV), disproportionately affecting women and girls. Understanding these dynamics is essential for advancing psychological science and practice in global contexts.
This paper synthesizes interdisciplinary literature from psychology, public health, gender studies, and climate science examining the relationship between climate-related disasters and GBV. Evidence was drawn from studies across low-, middle-, and high-income countries, focusing on intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, and coercion during and after environmental crises. Theoretical frameworks from ecological psychology and feminist theory were applied to contextualize mechanisms of risk.
Findings indicate that displacement, resource scarcity, and weakened social protections contribute to elevated risks of GBV in disaster contexts. Climate-related economic stressors amplify household conflict and power imbalances, heightening vulnerability to violence. Cross-cultural studies reveal that women of reproductive age are particularly at risk, with consequences extending to mental health, healthcare engagement, and intergenerational well-being. Despite robust evidence of these harms, GBV remains insufficiently addressed in climate adaptation policies, disaster preparedness strategies, and mental health interventions.
Climate change intensifies existing structural inequities, positioning GBV as both a psychological and social justice concern. Integrating gender-sensitive protections into climate adaptation and disaster response frameworks is imperative. Psychologists are uniquely positioned to contribute to prevention, intervention, and policy advocacy, reframing climate adaptation as not only an environmental necessity but also an issue of equity, justice, and human security.