Citation

Palermo T, Barrington C, Buller AM, Heise L, Hidrobo M, Ranganathan M, Roy S. Lancet Glob. Health 2022; 10(4): e475.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00038-9

PMID

35303452

Abstract

We applaud Merike Blofield and colleagues (January, 2022) for highlighting the potential of cash transfer programmes to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the basis of our research in Latin America and other regions, we argue that the potential of cash transfers to reduce IPV is relevant globally. We also note important nuances to the points made by Blofield and colleagues, some of which are particularly relevant for other regions where the prevalence of IPV is highest.

The authors limit their focus to this region, partly because Latin America's cash transfer programmes are among the most established. However, nascent cash transfer programmes in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia also provide a unique opportunity to build integrated efforts for IPV prevention from inception. A key pathway through which cash transfers reduce IPV is by reducing poverty, and the impact is particularly strong in low-income countries. Indeed, gender-responsive social protection (including cash transfers) is key to sustainably reducing poverty.

The authors focus on conditional cash transfers, noting that these programmes improve economic autonomy despite burdening women with having to fulfil condition...

Language: en