Becky's Fund

While history has demonstrated an increase in domestic violence after natural disasters, our emergency management systems have not responded to the need for violence prevention. Natural disasters such as hurricanes create major disruptions to livelihoods. The resulting socioeconomic strain and general stress sets the scene for domestic violence, especially as men may not feel like they’re meeting society’s expectations to protect and provide. After Hurricane Katrina, physical victimization of women increased by nearly 98%. For two years post-disaster, domestic violence remained over twice the baseline rate among displaced women in Mississippi. Research finds similar statistics for other disasters globally, such as Australian bushfires.? The disruptive nature of disasters enables this violence to continue as it severs community networks, separating survivors from critical support systems. Power outages, inaccessible roads, and displacement confine people together. Without privacy, survivors don’t have a safe space to confide in someone or call a hotline. Many survivors also hesitate to call police since widespread messaging advises civilians to only call 911 for urgent situations during emergencies. Because abusers minimize their own actions, survivors may begin to internalize the idea that their experience isn’t bad enough to warrant calling police. If they do manage to leave, many shelters do not have the capacity to meet demand during disasters, resulting in many survivors returning to abusers out of desperation. While media coverage post-disaster focuses on the perseverance of the people and the generosity of outsiders helping rebuilding efforts, it silences the real stories and problems. Lack of violence prevention planning in emergency response results in increased vulnerability. There needs to be a safe haven for survivors, with shelters resilient to severe weather. With evacuations, it is critical to provide alternate accommodations when otherwise sharing space with an abuser can expose a survivor to violence. While service providers typically urge the family unit to stick close together for support as other community networks become less reliable, they need to consider how this advice is less safe for some families. These demands become increasingly important as climate scientists predict more severe weather in the coming years. Survivors deserve safety. #dvam #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth #enddv #supportsurvivors

Cybersecurity Cares is here! Join us as we come together to shine a light on the silent epidemic of domestic violence and raise funds and awareness about how we can all play a role in creating a future free from domestic violence. ? Cybersecurity Cares telethon begins at 9 am ET - see you there! https://lnkd.in/ep3uaMhq