Column: Climate change, natural disasters, and violence against women

The Tahoe region knows firsthand the consequences of natural disasters. From the Angora Fire in 2007 to the ever-increasing threat of wildfires each year, these consequences are far-reaching. As our region heads into fire season, the dialogues about climate change and natural disasters ripple throughout the community.

Countless studies have shown that the changes in climate due to human activities, like the emissions of greenhouse gases, are further realized in the consequences of wildfires, unsafe air quality, increased heat-related, and so many more. Each of these consequences, which pose risks to our health and safety, are even more challenging for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

When there is the threat of a disaster like a wildfire, there are increased dangers presented to victims of violence and abuse. Around the world, natural disasters that are fueled by climate change are shown to worsen gender-based violence. When a victim is faced with evacuating from a forest fire or fleeing from a hurricane, they may feel pressure to stay with their abuser during disasters. Abusers use power and control over their victims. During a natural disaster, abusers may feel powerless, which can escalate their abuse.

Natural disasters are times of increased stress and vulnerability. Communities often face food insecurities, familial tensions, displacement, disrupted social services, health problems - all of which accelerate the likelihood and intensity of violence and abuse. The World Health Organization has reported that domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse are highly prevalent after disasters, and the violence is often more severe. These consequences of climate-related natural disasters disproportionately impact women who are already isolated,
disenfranchised, and vulnerable to violence and abuse.

The unsettling link between climate change, natural disasters, and violence against women makes our work at Live Violence Free and the action within our community imperative to our region’s well-being. With limited resources after events like wildfires, our most vulnerable neighbors need that support even more. If we envision a violence-free community and aim to ending violence against women, we must consider the connection to climate change and natural disasters.

When lives are displaced by natural disasters, a victim's closest friends and family are often their only support. You could be the only one who notices signs of domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault. This is why we created the One Conversation initiative. We are arming YOU with the tools to speak to a victim and help to encourage them to seek the support they need. That one conversation could save the life of someone you love. Learn more at www.oneconversationtahoe.org.

I invite everyone in the community to get involved and support our mission by volunteering, donating, and educating yourselves and others. Together we can empower choices and inspire change. Learn more about how to get involved at www.liveviolencefree.org/get-involved.