EMERGENCIES AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
Research shows that emergencies like bushfires, floods, storms or pandemics can increase family violence. The stress, disruption and financial pressure that come with disasters can make existing violence worse, or lead to violence happening for the first time.
Why emergencies create dangerous conditions
During and after disasters:
- People are dealing with trauma, stress, homelessness or job loss, which can lead to harmful coping behaviours like increased drinking
- Families may be forced to live together in cramped conditions, raising tensions
- Men may feel pressure to be strong providers and protectors, and may feel ashamed if they can’t. When men feel they can’t talk about their distress, they might react in unhealthy ways, including using violence
- Women often take on extra unpaid work caring for family and community, while losing income and independence
- Abusers have more opportunities to control their partners by controlling essentials like transport, money, emergency plans, medications or important documents
Specific risks during disasters
- Being prevented from evacuating by an abusive partner
- Being forced to isolate with an abuser (like during COVID lockdowns)
- Running into an ex-partner at an evacuation centre
- Difficulty enforcing protection orders
- Feeling like you can’t report violence because resources are stretched, or your problem seems small compared to the disaster
What the evidence shows
Australian research consistently shows that in emergency situations women experience increased levels of family violence. For example in areas badly affected by bushfires, women experienced physical violence at seven times the rate of women in less-affected areas.
During COVID-19, in Tasmania Engender Equality had a 40% increase in new clients from January-June 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. The Tasmanian Family Violence Counselling and Support Service noted an increase in first-time reports, particularly from women in longer-term relationships and women in professional positions. Many clients were experiencing abuse before COVID-19, but restrictions intensified it.
What you need to know
Your safety matters, even during a disaster. Violence is never acceptable – not during bushfires, floods, pandemics or financial stress.
Services are still available. All family violence helplines and services continue operating during emergencies:
- Triple Zero (000) – in an emergency
- Safe at Home: 1800 633 937
- Sexual Assault Support: 1800 697 877
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
You’re not being selfish. Don’t think your problem isn’t important because there’s a disaster. Your safety and your children’s safety always matters.
Plan ahead if you’re in an abusive relationship:
- Keep important documents ready to grab
- Plan where you’ll evacuate (not with the abuser)
- Tell emergency workers if you’re unsafe
- Know that disasters can sometimes provide an opportunity to leave safely
Remember: there is never an excuse for violence. Help is available 24/7, even during the worst emergencies.