New Orleans has always been rich with history, culture, and music. I think of it as a favorable blend of people from all genres of life. These are the images I have from growing up in New Orleans prior to August 29, 2005 – the day of one of America’s greatest storms!

Have you ever lived through a natural disaster? I have, and Hurricane Katrina’s wrath changed my life! But what I didn’t realize then was the negative impact the storm would have on my personal relationships and those around me.

When I was asked by Marilyn Calbert of YWCA Women’s Health Outreach to write a blog post relating to violence as a part of the YWCA’s Week Without Violence,  I decided I wanted to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the potential of violence that sometimes follow natural disasters and hope that those reading will somehow try to disaster-proof their relationships.

Having spent most of my life in New Orleans, I witnessed people whose lives were calm and prosperous shift to turmoil and poverty. I watched men and women go from being the people who consistently assisted others, to being those individuals who are now abusing substances or engaging in activities that negatively impact their lives and personal relationships. In the middle of the storm, I saw couples who had been together for 20 years feel strain in their relationship, begin to argue, and experience physical violence in their partnership.

As a child, I often heard adults say, “What doesn’t make you will surely break you.” I didn’t realize what was actually meant by this statement back then, but actually living through Katrina I came to understand what intimate partner violence really is and how it has the potential to devastate lives. It is the true aftermath of the storm.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.

A National Institute of Health study “examine[d] the relationship between the experience of Hurricane Katrina and reported relationship aggression and violence in a cohort of postpartum women. It was hypothesized that women who had a more severe experience of Hurricane Katrina would be at increased risk for reported conflict and IPV.” Here are some key points about domestic and intimate partner violence provide by WomensHealth.gov:

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911. It is possible for the police to arrest an abuser and to escort you and your children to a safe place. Learn more about getting help for domestic abuse.
• Often, abuse starts as emotional abuse and then becomes physical later. It’s important to get help early.
• Sometimes it is hard to know if you are being abused. Learn more about signs of abuse.
• Your partner may try to make you feel like the abuse is your fault. Remember that you cannot make someone mistreat you. The abuser is responsible for his or her behavior. Abuse can be a way for your partner to try to have control over you.
• Violence can cause serious physical and emotional problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s important to try to take care of your health. And if you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with abuse, get help.
• There probably will be times when your partner is very kind. Unfortunately, abusers often begin the mistreatment again after these periods of calm. In fact, over time, abuse often gets worse, not better. Even if your partner promises to stop the abuse, make sure to learn about hotlines and other ways to get help for abuse.
• An abusive partner needs to get help from a mental health professional. But even if he or she gets help, the abuse may not stop.

Being hurt by someone close to you is awful. Reach out for support from family, friends, and community organizations. Visit the YWCA’s website to learn more about services we offer related to domestic violence.

If you experienced IPV as a result of Hurricane Katrina or another natural disaster and have found a sense of calmness after your storm, please share your success with us! We hope in doing so, someone else will find tranquility inspired by you and live a safer, healthier, and happier life.

Ms. V.  co-wrote this blog post. She is a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. She attends the Wisdom Circle and participates in various programs and activities of the YWCA of Seattle | King County | Snohomish County.