Why is the global food crisis putting children, particularly girls, at greater risk of exploitation?

During times of scarcity, women and girls are particularly at risk of exploitation.
• Women and girls often eat less and last—they suffer the most in the case of food scarcity.
• Girls are being offered up in child marriage arrangements in exchange for dowries that their families will use to feed themselves.
• Food insecurity increases the stresses families face, leading to increased rates of mental illness amongst parents and potentially increased incidences of violence in the home.
• Substance abuse rates rise, creating tension. There are also more reported cases of post-traumatic stress disorder.