The Impact of a WhatsApp-based Intervention on Financial Resiliency and Intimate Partner Violence in Colombia

Researchers:
Orazio Attanasio
Matthew Bird
Lina Cardona
Pablo Lavado
Fieldwork by:
Location:
Antioquia, Colombia
Sample:
2,500 individuals
Timeline:
2020
Initiative(s):
Crime and Violence Initiative
Target group:
  • Women and girls
  • Communities recovering from conflict
  • Families and households
Outcome of interest:
  • Household finance
  • Gender attitudes and norms
  • Gender-based violence
Intervention type:
  • Cash transfers
  • Digital and mobile
  • Financial literacy
  • Information
  • COVID-19 response
AEA RCT registration number:
AEARCTR-0006112
Research papers:
Partners:

The mandatory shelter-in-place orders instituted across the globe to contain the spread of COVID-19 have caused massive economic stress and increased the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of an interactive WhatsApp-based couples communication, financial education, and COVID-19 information program in promoting low-income households' financial resiliency and reducing IPV rates in Colombia. Research is ongoing; results forthcoming.