Disasters and Domestic Violence — ways you can help

Family and domestic violence incidents increase when there are disasters.

A 2020 study from Melbourne University showed incidents of family and domestic violence were seven times higher in areas hardest hit by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

Gender and Disaster Australia is a national organisation offering education, training and resources to address the harmful impacts of gendered expectations in disaster.

After the Black Summer bushfires, Gender and Disaster Australia Executive Director Dr Debra Parkinson said sixteen women spoke of increased family violence against them – directly linked to the experience of the fires with their male partners. Ten of these women also said they experienced new violence from their male partners. 

In 2021, 60% of Victorian family violence practitioners reported an increase in violence against women since the first COVID lockdown and 50% reported an increase in severity in violence.

Disasters also mean women's and kid's needs are de-prioritised. Dr Parkinson says a common response during times of fire and emergency is "we are busy on important fire-related business".

"Until Australians are prepared to hear about women's experience of domestic violence – we won't see high rates of reporting." Dr Debra Parkinson, GADAus

Lydia from The Centre for Women & Co. in Logan, South East Queensland says disasters bring additional stress and keep people home. 

"If someone's partner isn't able to go to work or leave the house and everyone is at home together the risk factors for domestic and family violence do increase".

How you can help

Gender and Disaster Australia says first responders can help in four steps:

1. 1.ASK: Are you safe at home?
2. 2.NAME IT: What you've just described to me is violence and it's a crime.
3. 3.RESPOND: Give contact details of local domestic violence and sexual assault services, and police.
4. 4.FOLLOW UP: Last time you spoke about your safety. I'd like to know how you are now.

If you think a friend, family member or acquaintance is experiencing violence, the Centre for Women & Co. Logan suggests prioritising safety, trust and autonomy. 

1. 1.LISTEN: Try to listen more than speaking. This is their time to share their story. 
2. 2.ACKNOWLEDGE: Meet them where they are at. Don't judge or offer opinions or solutions. 
3. 3.BUILD TRUST. Empower them, and support their autonomy.

Tools and Resources

• The Queensland Common Risk and Safety Framework training portal includes screening tools designed to support anyone to identify whether a person is experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence and what to do if they are.
• Gender and Disaster Australia free resources. Includes guidelines and checklists for first responders, videos and snapshots.
• Disaster is no excuse for family violence postcard. A beautiful postcard you can keep on your fridge with helpful tips and contact numbers on the back.