Extreme Heat and Calls to Law Enforcement Related to Domestic Violence.

Abstract

Although research has documented links between climate factors and violence, evidence specific to domestic violence (DV) remains limited, particularly in climate-vulnerable urban areas. To analyze the association between extreme heat events and DV-related calls to law enforcement in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 2011 and 2021. This cross-sectional study used a spatially weighted time-stratified case-crossover design analyzing DV-related call data between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021, from the New Orleans Police Department. Statistical analysis was conducted from March to May 2024. Daily mean Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) data were used to define 6 extreme heat definitions based on thresholds (30 °C and 90th percentile) and durations (1, 3, or 5 consecutive days). Additional thresholds were considered in sensitivity analyses. The primary outcome was DV-related calls made. Calls were aggregated to zip code days, and conditional logistic regression weighted by cases per zip code day was used to evaluate the association between extreme heat and DV calls. Attributable fractions and attributable numbers of DV calls due to extreme heat exposure were calculated. Of the 150 523 DV-related calls during the study period, 69.6% were classified as domestic disturbances, and 22.4% were classified as simple battery. Consistent positive associations were found between extreme heat and DV-related calls; for example, the likelihood of a DV-related call increased by 4% (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07) when the mean UTCI was above 30 °C. Stronger associations were seen during prolonged exposure to extreme heat; when the mean UTCI exceeded the 90th percentile for 5 consecutive days, the likelihood of a DV-related call increased by 7% (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12). Eliminating such heat wave events would most likely prevent approximately 245.0 DV-related calls (95% CI, 105.1-370.9) during the study period. In this cross-sectional study of the association between extreme heat and DV-related calls in New Orleans, DV-related calls were associated with extreme heat events, with the strongest associations observed during prolonged heat waves. These findings highlight the need to integrate climate adaptation with violence prevention strategies during such extreme heat events.