Victims of Natural Disasters



Victims of Natural Disasters

In this paper I want break down the different aspects that fall into and describe victims of natural disasters. I will give descriptive summaries based on commentaries from victims of these different types of events. I want to break down the different perspectives but also allow you to understand the feelings from true victims of such an event.

I want this paper to be impactful because of the spark of recent disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and past disasters but also connect it to the field of victimology and why it is so important. It will need to discuss the effects such as developing PTSD from going through such an event and other traumatic factors. It will also include views from the Red Cross and programs that aid these victims.

I picked this topic because New York just had hurricane Sandy and this paper needs to be impactful in describing the aftermath. The newspapers will always read something different each day but the impactful effects from being victimized stay with you so much longer than that. It is important to understand these effects and other factors that come into play as well.

While the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and other organizations and agencies rally to respond to tragic events, their focus is generally on crisis response (i.e. how to satisfy basic and immediate human needs like food, water, and shelter).  Similarly, crisis intervention—more personalized services offered when a crisis takes place and perhaps unhealthy coping mechanisms threaten individual or family functioning—can be enormously helpful in the aftermath of disaster or emergency.  Both crisis response and crisis intervention can help to lay the foundation for reducing anxiety and educating survivors and their families on trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and common disaster responses.  It is clear, however, that longer-term trauma support is essential, especially for those with pre-existing trauma, substance abuse, or psychiatric histories.

History shows us that while many individuals will make a full psychological recovery within 12 to 24 months following a disaster; post-event stressors such as the disruption of basic needs, stressful life events (e.g., loss of a home or job, displacement), and loss of internal and external resources (e.g., a sense of control or social ties) can make healing even more difficult (Kilpatrick & Freedy, 1994).  Even under the best of circumstances following a crisis, victims often need support far beyond crisis intervention, often for periods of two years or more.

For survivors who have experienced crime and may not have the knowledge, resources, access, or capacity to reach out for help, service providers within the criminal justice system and victim assistance communities need to be especially assertive and understanding to ensure that core victim rights are upheld and that services can be established for those in need.  Other providers need to also consider that some of the individuals and families being served may have experienced violent crime, and it is therefore essential that they have an understanding of early signs of trauma, reporting protocols, ...