We investigate the impact of temperature on gender-based violence (GBV) in Italy, focusing on femicides and calls to the 1522 helpline, a public service for victims of GBV and stalking. Both femicides and helpline calls increase significantly with warmer temperatures, particularly during elevated nighttime temperatures, suggesting that extreme heat may contribute to GBV by disrupting sleep or influencing social interactions. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we consider key contextual factors at the provincial level. We find that environmental, social, and institutional factors interact in shaping the response of GBV to heat.
BURNING RAGE: HOW HEAT SHAPES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
LAVINIA PARISI;
2025
Abstract
We investigate the impact of temperature on gender-based violence (GBV) in Italy, focusing on femicides and calls to the 1522 helpline, a public service for victims of GBV and stalking. Both femicides and helpline calls increase significantly with warmer temperatures, particularly during elevated nighttime temperatures, suggesting that extreme heat may contribute to GBV by disrupting sleep or influencing social interactions. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we consider key contextual factors at the provincial level. We find that environmental, social, and institutional factors interact in shaping the response of GBV to heat.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
