New Research Links Prolonged Extreme Heat in New Orleans to Spike in Domestic Violence Emergency Calls
In an illuminating new study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers have uncovered a significant correlation between sustained extreme heat and increased domestic violence-related emergency calls in New Orleans. This groundbreaking research, co-authored by experts from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute, represents one of the first efforts to quantify the public safety repercussions of prolonged heat stress in an urban setting, shedding new light on how climate phenomena intersect with social dynamics.
The study meticulously analyzed over 150,000 domestic violence calls reported to the New Orleans Police Department spanning a decade, from 2011 to 2021. A core finding reveals that when “feels-like” temperatures — which integrate the effects of heat and humidity to represent human thermal stress more accurately — lingered within the city’s highest decile for at least five consecutive days, calls related to domestic violence surged by an estimated 7%. In tangible terms, these episodes often corresponded with sustained feels-like temperatures ranging from 93 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, conditions commonly experienced during New Orleans’ sweltering summer months.
This increase in domestic violence calls is not merely a statistical anomaly but rather suggests an underlying mechanistic link between environmental stressors and human behavior. The study’s authors highlight that, absent such prolonged heat events, approximately 245 fewer domestic violence-related calls would have been recorded during the study period, showing a measurable human cost of climate extremes. These figures emphasize that extreme heat does not only challenge physical infrastructure but also severely impacts community health and interpersonal safety.
According to Anita Raj, executive director of the Newcomb Institute and senior author of the study, extreme heat should be recognized as a multifaceted public health and safety issue, extending beyond meteorology into the domains of social services and violence prevention. “Heat preparedness must be integrated into violence reduction strategies,” Raj asserts, advocating for a holistic approach to public policy that anticipates the cascading effects of climate stressors on societal well-being.
The multidimensional nature of domestic violence calls was further explored in the research. Domestic disturbances comprised approximately 70% of the calls analyzed, while simple battery — a category involving less severe physical assault — accounted for about 22%. This granularity in data segmentation highlights the pervasiveness of different forms of interpersonal violence exacerbated by environmental conditions. The researchers employed a sophisticated climate index, moving beyond ambient air temperature to include humidity factors, thereby providing a more accurate measure of heat stress as experienced by human bodies.
This study fills a critical gap in existing literature. Previous works have indicated that single-day spikes in heat correlate with increased violence; however, this is the first known analysis to directly link extended periods of high heat with surges in domestic violence emergency calls specifically in New Orleans. This nuance offers a new perspective, emphasizing that it is the sustained nature of heat exposure—rather than isolated hot days—that intensifies social tensions and interpersonal conflicts.
Importantly, the broader implications of the data call for innovative public health interventions. The researchers advocate for the incorporation of domestic violence prevention efforts into the city’s existing heatwave response frameworks. Such integration could involve targeted outreach to potentially vulnerable individuals, ensuring that emergency support services remain robust and accessible during heatwaves. Moreover, they stress the importance of refining 911 call categorization and tracking systems to better capture and respond to these climate-related social stress signals in real time.
Arnab Dey, lead author and climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, reflects on the study’s broader societal message: “Extreme heat can strain not only infrastructure but the very fabric of human relationships.” His remarks draw attention to the multifaceted nature of climate change impacts, where environmental phenomena interact with and exacerbate existing social vulnerabilities, creating feedback loops that amplify harm.
Collaborators from the Irset–Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail at the University of Rennes and the University of Wisconsin–Madison contributed to the study’s robust international and interdisciplinary methodology. Their involvement underscores the global interest and relevancy of understanding how climate factors influence interpersonal violence, a subject that transcends geographic boundaries and disciplinary silos.
From a methodological standpoint, the study employed meta-analytic techniques to synthesize data effectively across an extensive period and numerous variables. Employing heat stress indices rather than raw temperature readings allowed the researchers to capture the physiological and psychological burden that heat exerts on individuals and communities. This innovative approach enhances the precision of linking environmental stressors to social outcomes.
The research also presents a stark reminder of the growing intersection between climate change and public safety. As global temperatures continue to rise, cities like New Orleans may experience more frequent and prolonged heat events, potentially exacerbating domestic violence rates further. Recognizing these linkages early can inform urban planning, public health policies, and climate adaptation strategies aimed at protecting the most vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, this study marks a vital step in comprehending the nuanced ways extreme heat impacts human behavior, particularly in urban, socioeconomically diverse environments like New Orleans. By highlighting the interconnection between climate extremes and social violence, the findings beckon policymakers, social service providers, and community stakeholders to adopt integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to climate preparedness and violence prevention.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Extreme heat and calls for service related to domestic violence in New Orleans
News Publication Date: 29-Aug-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.30530
Keywords: Violence, Social sciences, Heat, Physical abuse, Psychological science, Behavioral psychology, Behavior modification, Human behavior, Human social behavior, Aggression, Human aggression
