Publication Date

Spring 2024

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

Keywords

Domestic violence, Daylight saving time, Standard time

Abstract

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a longstanding practice in many countries, involving the seasonal adjustment of clocks by one hour forward in the spring, and one hour backward in the fall. Although DST was initially introduced to promote energy conservation and maximize daylight hours, it has become a subject of debate, given its impact on physical and mental health, cognitive performance, and criminal behavior (Kountouris & Remoundou, 2014).

In 2022, Colorado enacted a law adopting year-round DST, contingent upon a federal law enabling states to maintain DST throughout the year as opposed to ST, like Hawaii and Arizona (Chasan, 2024). Meanwhile, Massachusetts officials deliberated in October 2023 on two bills: one seeking to establish permanent DST and another aiming to return to Standard Time (ST) year-round (Chasan, 2024). The DST transitions are a contentious topic. One consideration that has largely been overlooked is the effect of DST changes on domestic violence (DV), which is not fully understood. As discussions surrounding the future of DST unfold, there is a pressing need for policymakers to acknowledge and address this overlooked aspect. Research on the potential link between DST and ST changes and DV could contribute valuable insights to inform future decisions and ensure a more thorough understanding of the broader implications of DST changes.

Download

Share

COinS