PhD thesis, Victoria University of Wellington

This thesis examines the complex relationship between domestic violence and disasters in New Zealand. Within a feminist framework, and drawing on disaster sociology and domestic violence theory, the author examines the applicability of previously published theories relating to the impact of Civil Defence emergencies on domestic violence and disaster response agencies. Data sources included a postal survey of communities affected by 17 Civil Defence emergencies in New Zealand and 5 detailed case studies (from within the 17 surveyed communities). The case studies drew on statistics from Women's Refuge, interviews with representatives of agencies working in domestic violence services and disaster management, and analyses of case file summaries from the Women's Refuge national database across the five areas. The research found that domestic violence reporting did increase during disasters in almost all of the communities studied, although it was not possible to assess whether it was domestic violence as such or the reporting of it that had increased. The research suggests some of the possible causes for the increase, finding prior abuse and financial strain were key factors. The thesis also identified issues with official responses to increased domestic violence reporting during disasters, many of which were structural issues relating to procedures set out in current Civil Defence policies. The author advocates policy changes to improve the handling of increased domestic violence reporting during disasters, and to develop a more co-ordinated approach to the social impacts of disasters. In addition, the author recommends that to address the needs of domestic violence victims, the extent of gender mainstreaming within Civil Defence and Emergency Management policy and practice should be reviewed.

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