ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the efforts to increase security protocols are only part of the solution. It is absolutely necessary to place disaster-contextualised violence against women in a broader framework of problems and solutions. Individual, micro-level violence in a post-disaster context reflects structured inequalities that must be considered in order to enhance safety not only in present disasters but also in future events. The chapter also explores experiences of women and girls in disasters who face violence and uncovers possibilities for safeguarding their lives and futures. The types of violence experienced at a personal level include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, verbal, abduction, torture, prostitution and slavery. Gender-based violence knows no bounds, given that such behaviours can occur in any social setting. Yet race, class and region seem to have an effect; there are populations that are more likely to be in areas and in living situations where violence is more likely to occur.