Sexual Violence in Disasters: A Planning Guide for Prevention and Response

• NCJ Number: 223843
• Author(s): Alisa Klein
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 69 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2004-SW-AX-0003
• Contract Number(s): 5H28CE324095-04
• Sponsoring Agency: Ctr's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); US Dept of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
• Sale Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Ctr (NSVRC); Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This guide is designed to assist a variety of partners in the development of practices and policies for the prevention of and optimal response to sexual violence during and following disasters.

Abstract

Among those practitioners who can benefit from this guide are those involved in sexual-violence prevention, victim advocacy, policy planning and advocacy, emergency and forensic medicine, child protection, public health, sex offender treatment and management, law enforcement, disaster planning, and emergency response. The guide offers a range of recommendations, from suggesting small changes to the development of comprehensive plans, making preparations, and coordinating far-reaching policy change. Based on a public health framework, this guide is arranged according to phases of a disaster. The guide first examines the devastation to New Orleans and its people by Hurricane Katrina and the many inadequate responses to the crisis. By examining what happened with Hurricane Katrina, important lessons are identified for future disasters. The guide then examines and recommends ways to reduce the structural and social vulnerabilities that usually characterize disasters. These vulnerabilities increase the potential for the perpetration of sexual violence. Two categories of recommendations are offered: “internal” recommendations that pertain to how responding organizations can plan for efforts to prevent vulnerability to crime, including sexual violence, as well as recommendations categorized as “Across Organizations and Disciplines,“ which involve the development of partnerships with other organizations and agencies for planning and implementation. The guide suggests that organizations work cooperatively in designing responses and systems that quickly, effectively, and compassionately address the needs of vulnerable people during disasters, so that the awareness of their vulnerability is made clear to them along with the ways being provided for them to access the protection they need. This requires that rape crisis centers and coalitions be involved in the planning. Sample worksheets, 46 notes, and 37 bibliographies