Gender Based Violence After A Natural Disaster

IntroductionGender-based violence is endemic across the world. Current evidence suggests that gender-based violence increases after natural disasters. Decades of research has shown that gender plays a critical role in intimate relationships, family life, formal and informal economies, organizations, and culture. A limited body of research exists exploring the role of gender in the experience and impact of natural disasters. Agencies are mobilized in response to natural disasters, however gender-based violence and the unique needs of women are often inadequately considered in relief efforts, and personnel are not sufficiently trained to recognize or address gender based violence. As a result, women are at heightened vulnerability and continue to experience disproportionate violence following natural disasters. Aimsu00a5tTo identify factors and conditions before, during, and after disasters which lead to increased gender-based violence in disaster settings across the world. u00a5tTo identify challenges faced by organizations and disaster responders in recognizing and responding to gender-based violence in disaster settings.u00a5tTo advocate for gender sensitive organizational planning and training prior to deployment by responding personnel. MethodsA narrative review of the global literature was performed to identify common themes among post-disaster settings and to recognize factors which led to the increase in gender based violence. Furthermore, the literature was reviewed to identify challenges for disaster teams in recognizing and responding to gender based violence, and to define principles which may be applicable for pre-deployment planning and competency building by disaster response organizations and personnel. ResultsThemes: u00a5tHarmful societal attitudes towards womenu00a5tPrevalence and acceptance of violence towards womenu00a5tPolitical instability u00a5tLoss of community supports and protectionsu00a5tEconomic hardshipu00a5tPhysical displacementu00a5tLack of security and privacy in camps/crowdingu00a5tLawlessness and chaosu00a5tPsychosocial trauma and stressu00a5tUse of alcohol/substances by male perpetratorsu00a5tLow participation of women in relief effortsu00a5tGender-blind programs and policiesRecommendations to guide response efforts: u00a5tA mandate for addressing violence against women u00a5tInclusion of female staff and womenu2019s groups at all levels of planning and responseu00a5tCollection of data to identify vulnerable populationsu00a5tEstablishment of procedures for monitoring and reporting incidents of violence u00a5tSafety in planning and design of accommodations, distribution centers, and related servicesu00a5tDirect allocation of aid and resources to women u00a5tImplementation and restoration of holistic services including physical and psychosocial care and legal response Recommendations for training: u00a5tGender sensitive approach, knowledge of prevalence and impact of gender-based violence, and its link to disasters u00a5tFamiliarity with behaviors and conditions associated with gender-based violenceu00a5tNon-judgmental, supportive and validating approach to inquiry and responseu00a5tFamiliarity with risk assessment toolsu00a5tMobilization of social supportsu00a5tKnowledge of resources, including medical and legal services DiscussionNatural disasters are destabilizing events which expose vulnerable populations, particularly women, to increased violence. Preexisting social, economic, and political inequalities and oppressive attitudes towards women are magnified after natural disasters, leaving women at heightened risk of violence. The lack of gender- sensitivity in disaster preparedness and response efforts can impact and even exacerbate the gendered impact of natural disasters. An understanding of the factors leading to the increased incidence of gender based violence and the involvement of women at all stages of planning and decision-making is indispensable to addressing the gendered impact of natural disasters.