Climate Change-Related Risks of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Among 2SLGBTQIA+ University Students and Emergent Adults: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

A scoping review was conducted using international databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, Embase, and EBSCOhost, covering studies since 2009. Sixty-three articles focusing on gender-based violence (GBV) among 2SLGBTQIA+ university students and emergent adults were analyzed, incorporating climate change-related vulnerabilities that exacerbate GBV risks for marginalized students. Key factors were categorized into bullying, violence, and victimization; intersectionality; lack of awareness; disclosure of violence; and well-being and mental health implications. The findings reveal that discrimination, lack of support, and structural inequalities heighten vulnerability to GBV, compounded by climate-induced stressors such as displacement and resource scarcity. Practical implications include integrating intersectional approaches, tailored mental health support, climate resilience strategies, and anti-discrimination training into institutional policies, while public policy should strengthen safety nets, improve housing and healthcare access, and address compounded risks for marginalized groups during climate crises. Social work should prioritize culturally competent, trauma-informed interventions and foster community resilience. The study identifies critical research gaps, emphasizing the need to expand beyond US-focused studies to explore global intersections of GBV, climate change, and marginalized identities. These findings underscore the urgency of comprehensive strategies to mitigate GBV risks and enhance resilience for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.