This book chapter reports on a case study undertaken following the July 2004 floods in Whakatane in New Zealand, during which a state of emergency existed for two weeks. The author conducted interviews with professionals working in domestic violence and other support services. Agencies working in domestic violence reported comparatively larger increases to their caseloads. Interviewees considered financial stress was the primary reason for this increase. In addition structural factors such as communication between agencies affected support to families; reduction in some services and overcrowded housing were also issues. Staff in agencies that continued operating in the community after the immediate emergency felt poorly supported, showing disaster planning is not a priority for domestic violence support services, which have scant resources and focus on immediate challenges. National, regional, and local government emergency planning does not acknowledge any impact on domestic violence during natural disasters. The study demonstrates the need for emergency management policy and planning to include provision for mitigating possible increases in domestic violence.

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In Enarson, E. and Chakrabarti, P.G.D. (eds.) (2009) Women, gender and disaster : global issues and initiatives : 99-111