SURVIVING VIOLENCE AND DISASTER

Reports from service agencies indicate that women are at increased risk of violence in the aftermath of disaster, for example in the wake of Saguenay floods and the l998 ice storm and following recent US earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.

Domestic violence and sexual assault centres report increased case management with existing clients and women newly impacted both by violence and disaster. Though decreasing during the immediate crisis, violence against women may increase during the lengthy recovery period—as long as six months or a year after the event.

Women living with past trauma, the threat of violence, domestic and/or sexual assault have unique needs during disasters, including:

• physical security during crisis (72 hours) if in shelter or on-site
• safe and secure evacuation space for women in shelter or needing privacy
• access to appropriate medical care
• affordable, safe housing in the postdisaster housing market
• continuity in counselling relationship
• assistance securing disaster relief funds and goods

Because disasters can force women back into dangerous relationships, increase financial and housing stress, and re-traumatize recovering women, disaster victims who are also subject to violence often have greater needs for:

• counseling or support groups
• children’s services
• mental and/or physical health care
• transportation assistance
• legal assistance
• employment assistance
• financial assistance

Victim service agencies will be significant ‘backstage’ disaster responders to women and children in crisis after disaster. They may also be directly and indirectly impacted. Mitigating the effects of disaster includes planning to identify their needs and support their work throughout the disaster cycle.