Home      Login

Abstract: 

Natural disasters affect people differently in diverse locations worldwide. These differential consequences between individuals, groups, communities, and countries are a function of the victims’ distinctive level of vulnerability. This perspective, known as “disaster vulnerability theory,” explains that a person’s vulnerability, resulting from unsafe physical and social conditions, is correlated with a higher probability of disturbance from a disaster, greater severity of the experience, as well as their poorer post-disaster response. This article explores the growing body of research on the important relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and natural disasters. Research has documented an increase in the prevalence and severity of violence against women in the aftermath of these events. Natural disasters magnify the stress for families in turmoil, thereby creating the “perfect storm” for increased domestic violence.3 For some victims, they experience violence for the first time; for others, they experience an escalation in the violence. The prevalence of domestic violence in these locales can remain elevated even years after the disaster.

Keywords: Gender-Based Effects of Natural Disasters; Improving IPV Services and Service Infrastructure for Disaster Victims

Affiliations:  1: Editor, Domestic Violence Report.