WUNRN
New
Zealand - Agency Perspectives on Domestic Violence and Disasters
http://researcharchive.vuw.ac.nz/handle/10063/1159
Title: |
"We
Had to Cope With What We Had": Agency Perspectives on Domestic Violence
and Disasters in New Zealand. |
Author: |
Houghton,
Rosalind Margaret Elise |
Copyright: |
2010 |
Abstract: |
Under
an over-arching feminist framework, this thesis utilises disaster sociology
and domestic violence theory to examine the complex and multi-faceted
relationship between domestic violence and disasters. The applicability of
previously published theories was tested through a postal survey of
communities affected by 17 Civil Defence emergencies in New Zealand and in 5
detailed case studies (taken from the 17 surveyed communities) relating to
the impact of Civil Defence emergencies on domestic violence and disaster
response agencies in New Zealand. The case studies involved the collection of
reporting statistics from Women's Refuge, interviews with representatives of
agencies working in domestic violence response and disaster management, and
analyses of case file summaries from the Women's Refuge national database
across the five affected geographic areas. These methods provided both
quantitative and qualitative data on domestic violence reporting during
disasters in New Zealand. In almost all of the communities studied there was
an increase in reporting of domestic violence following the Civil Defence
emergencies. Pre-existing theory and interviews within the case studies were
used to examine significant factors and demographics that were common across
the women seeking assistance during the disasters in order to provide
coherent generalisations that may be applied in other contexts. The research
concluded that domestic violence reporting did increase during disasters.
Whilst it was not possible to determine whether it was only domestic violence
reporting or domestic violence itself that had increased, interviews with key
agency representatives revealed some of the possible causes of their
increased workload. Confirming the findings of international studies, agency
representatives stated that prior abuse and financial strain were some of the
main factors behind the reported increases in domestic violence. Agency
representatives reported a range of issues concerning the official responses
to increased domestic violence reporting during disasters, many of which were
structural issues regarding procedures set out in current Civil Defence
policies. These procedural problems are examined in line with the feminist
goals guiding this work and a case is made for policy changes that should
lead to improved handling of increased domestic violence reporting during
disasters and lead to the development of a more co-ordinated approach to the
social impacts of disasters. In order to address the needs of domestic
violence victims, the degree of gender mainstreaming within Civil Defence and
Emergency Management policy and practice should also be reviewed. New Zealand
is subject to both national and international obligations to address the
impact that gender norms have on the outcomes of those experiencing
disasters. It is currently not meeting these obligations. These lacunae in
policy and planning are placing already vulnerable women and children at
heightened risk during disasters. As a country that prides itself on
progressive social policy, New Zealand can do better. |
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