Summer is a time most people associate with lightened moods, relaxation, and fun. Yet for people who experience abuse from their partners, the warm months can be worse than the darkest days of winter. Intimate partner violence and domestic abuse rates increase by about 12% in summer compared with other seasons, although there is often also a spike in incidents during the winter holidays.
Various factors contribute to this troubling phenomenon. Although domestic violence and intimate partner violence can never be blamed on any season, they do worsen during these months. Understanding these reasons can help in developing strategies to mitigate the risks.
Why Does Domestic Violence Increase in the Summer?
The reasons for spikes in violence in the summer are complex and multifaceted. Here are some of the season’s risk factors for domestic violence.
Summer Heat
Heat and Aggression
Research indicates a clear correlation between hot weather and violence. The physiological effects of heat can lead to irritability and heightened stress, which can escalate into aggression and violence. Heat can also cause sleep deprivation, which in turn is linked to increased irritability and lower impulse control. This can add fuel to other heat-related drivers of violent behavior.
In fact, violent crime rates as a whole increase during the hot months, along with rates of abuse against partners and children. Higher temperatures — especially during heat waves and heat domes, which are likely to increase in frequency and severity with global warming — can exacerbate underlying tensions and lead to more frequent and severe domestic conflicts.
Inequalities Around Heat Relief
Tensions can be especially high in homes that don’t have adequate heat relief resources, such as shade, air conditioners, and fans. This is often the case in low-income rental housing, particularly homes in areas that experience the urban heat island effect (in which cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to higher concentrations of artificial surfaces that absorb heat). Low-income adults are also more likely to work outdoors and in environments that aren’t adequately temperature controlled.
Increased Alcohol Consumption
Summer is the peak season for parties, barbecues, weddings, vacations, and other social gatherings where alcohol is likely to be consumed. This is the case not only for adults of legal drinking age but adolescents as well. Excessive drinking can impair judgment and, in some people, increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior. Alcohol consumption and abuse as a whole is a significant factor in adult and teen intimate partner violence incidents, with summer gatherings creating more opportunities for both.
Childcare Responsibilities and Routine Disruptions
The structure and routine provided by the school year often helps to maintain a degree of order in households with children, especially since school provides childcare for much of each day. During summer, children are home and require supervision, especially if they aren’t participating in a structured program such as summer camp. This can create increased disruption and stress for parents who must find ways to keep children safe and occupied. Chaotic home environments and disrupted schedules can, in turn, trigger short tempers and violence in abusive partners.
Teen intimate partner violence also increases during the summer, as adolescents are out of school and have more time to focus (and inflict abuse) on their romantic partners.
More Time With Family (and More Family Conflicts)
Summer often means more families are at home and spending time together. Although this can be a positive thing in a healthy family, the increased interactions between family members can also give rise to more tensions and conflicts. This increased proximity can lead to more frequent and severe violent domestic altercations, a fact that became all too clear during the pandemic.
Greater Financial Stress
While summer can be an ideal time for fun recreational activities, it also comes with financial stress for many families, especially those in lower-income households. The costs associated with summer vacations, childcare, and cooling homes can strain household budgets. Financial stress is a well-known trigger for domestic violence. When financial pressures mount, the likelihood of conflict and violence can increase.
While summer traditionally brings many joys, it also presents unique challenges for those who are vulnerable to domestic violence and seasonal drivers of spikes in abuse. By understanding and addressing these factors, communities can work toward creating safer and healthier environments for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Get Support for Domestic Abuse Survivors With CAWC
At Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC), we believe that everyone has a right to a life free of violence. Our mission to end domestic violence in all demographics is rooted in education, service, and advocacy. In addition to working toward broader social change, we provide empowerment-based and trauma-informed support in the form of shelter, counseling, and advocacy for individuals affected by intimate partner violence and their children.
If you or someone you know is actively experiencing the impacts of sexual violence, don’t hesitate to call our 24-hour hotline at 773-278-4566. For non-emergency support, reach out through our contact form today.
Want to help us protect more survivors and children? You can impact the life of a domestic violence survivor or a child who witnessed domestic violence by donating to CAWC today or by supporting our work in other ways.