BROOKLYN, New York. The country has watched with concern as Hurricane Harvey has battered Houston and as Hurricane Irma threatens Florida. After a natural disaster, first on many people’s minds is home repair and rebuilding. Yet, the silent victims of natural disasters may not always get headlines. Research has shown that natural disasters can increase a person’s risk of becoming a victim of domestic violence. In fact, after Hurricane Andrew in Miami, Bustle reports that the University of Miami Disaster and Community Crisis Center saw a 50 percent increase in calls to their hotlines.
Why would natural disasters increase domestic violence? These kinds of disasters can lead to increased stress, putting more strain on already strained family dynamics. After all, if you already have problems being alone with a partner, imagine how much more difficult it can be if neither of you can leave the house due to flooding, torrential rains, or debris. Furthermore, these families may suddenly have to struggle with additional challenges, like the loss of a home, the loss of a job, or temporary displacement due to the storm damage. Domestic violence usually results when a troubled individual feels a loss of control. Natural disasters can exacerbate this perceived loss of control, increasing the risk of violence.
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