The hidden disaster: Domestic violence in the aftermath of natural disaster

Many countries have reported increases in relationship violence in the wake of disasters. However, there is a research gap on why this happens, and how increased violence may relate to disaster experiences. Women's Health Goulburn North East undertook the first Australian research into this phenomenon, interviewing 30 women and 47 disaster workers in Victoria after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Interviews provided evidence of increased domestic violence, even in the absence of sound quantitative data.