Situational Barriers to Disaster Resilience: Violence 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 193 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 194 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 195 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 196 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 197 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