Situational Barriers to Disaster Resilience:

Violence

Session 19

Session 19 2

Session Objectives

Understand how different kinds of violence impact social groups in the U.S.

Relate the experience of violence to people’s vulnerability in disasters

Explain practical steps emergency managers can take to mitigate violence as a factor in disaster vulnerability

Session 19 3

Forms of Violence

Intentional violence– Personal– Interpersonal

Structural violence– Corporate policies– Government policies

Political/military violence– Armed uprisings– Terrorist attacks– Police actions– Military service

Session 19 4

Trends and Patterns of Violence in the U.S.

Most intentional violence occurs within rather than between race/ethnic groups

Youth are more affected by violence than other ages Women and children are most subject to violence by

family members or acquaintances Disabled persons proportionately more at risk of

violence Occupations and workplaces expose some people to

violence on a regular basis More violence occurs among marginalized or

stigmatized social groups

Session 19 5

Violence Can Increase Salience of Emergency Preparedness

Seek information from emergency management authorities

Find emergency warnings credible Make emergency plans at home Increase workplace emergency planning Assess personal vulnerabilities to all kinds of threats Be vigilant about perceived threats to safety

After September 11 attacks, Americans are more likely to:

Session 19 6

Violence Can Increase Vulnerabilities of Some Groups

Daily routines– Where can I safely go? When? With whom?

Livelihoods– Is it safe to work here?

Attitudes toward risk– Is risk worth taking? What makes this risky?

Attitudes toward protection and self-protection– What can I do to be safer?

Attitudes toward protective authorities– Can I trust the government/military/police systems?

Session 19 7

How Emergency Managers Can Mitigate Violence as a Risk Factor

Research local patterns of violence as part of vulnerability assessments Increase knowledge about barriers limiting residents’ ability to move

freely and safely in parts of the community Increase knowledge of local resources supporting those living with fear

and violence Access information sources to map patterns of violence locally Prioritize assistance to shelters housing people whose safety depends

on these facilities Consult with local advocacy groups about serving people who routinely

live with fear and violence Avoid unnecessarily intimidating symbolism Address fear and violence as vulnerability factors in disaster education Develop guidelines integrating advocacy groups into local emergency

planning