Extreme weather events and violence against children

This study examines the impact of extreme weather events on violence against children inflicted by adult household members. Our focus is on Mongolia, where winter disasters cause high livestock mortality that exert economic stress on pastoralist households. The analysis builds on three cross-sectional Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The identification strategy utilizes spatial variation in the intensity of three winter disasters. Exposure to extreme winter conditions significantly increases the probability of children from pastoralist households to become victim of psychological and physical violence. Increased alcohol consumption, shifts in attitudes toward male dominance, and reduced life satisfaction among adults are likely mechanisms.