Violence in times of disaster

In the aftermath of a disaster, violence against women and their children increases
When responding in a disaster context, your knowledge of sexual, domestic and family violence continues to apply
It is also helpful to be aware of the particular risks that exist for women in a disaster situation
If you do not respond to sexual, domestic or family violence often, our introduction to responding page is a good place to start.

Understanding risk

Disaster presents unique vulnerabilities when it comes to domestic and family violence. If a violent family member or intimate partner controls emergency plans and survival essentials, risk increases dramatically. It is vital that women have an emergency plan for themselves and their children. One of your roles may be to help with incorporating these unique risks into an emergency plan.

Some things that can increase risk for women in disaster affected areas include being:

Prevented from evacuating due to domestic and family violence
Blocked from accessing survival essentials: transport, water, heat, finances, emergency plans, support services or important documents
Brought back in contact with a violent ex-partner in the chaos of the disaster, for example at an evacuation centre or community hub
Forced to take unnecessary risks with personal safety
Forced to exchange sex for necessities like food water or shelter
Impacted by the challenges of enforcing protection orders in a disaster-affected environment
Threatened by the return of someone who has been violent in the past, as they take advantage of vulnerabilities resulting from the disaster, or even take grant money
Dependent on a partner who is away from the home and controls the family’s emergency plan
Impacted by the limitations and pressures created by sudden homelessness that may be brought on by the disaster

This information was developed in collaboration with the Gender and Disaster Pod

Next steps

Responding effectively

In times of disaster there are things you can do to increase the safety of people experiencing violence. Being aware that women are at increased risk of violence before, during and after a disaster is an important first step.

Good practice responses

For frontline workers with the relevant training, there are three basic steps to responding effectively to sexual, domestic and family violence: screening, risk assessment and safety planning.

Introduction to responding to people who have been impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence

How you respond to someone who has been impacted by violence can make a big difference to their recovery. The are a range of providers who offer training in how to respond to sexual, domestic and family violence.