Hurricane Floyd devastated North Carolina in 1999, leaving 16 counties under water and millions of people in distress. Would the stress of the disaster cause an increase on the rate of child abuse in the area?
To answer this question the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill began a study of the increase in traumatic brain injury in children following Hurricane Floyd. The researchers chose brain injury due to its severity, the need for treatment, and the likelihood of it being reported.
The Results
- Child abuse brain injuries were 5 times more common in the hardest hit counties 6 months following Floyd.
- 73% of the injured children in the worst hit counties were non-whites compared to less than 49% in other counties. Suggests that the non-whites suffered other risk factors and stresses following the disaster.
- Dr. Heather T. Keenan, research assistant professor of social medicine at the UNC School of Medicine stated, "We hypothesized that the flooding and subsequent loss of -- and disruption to -- lives, property and community ties in our state may have contributed to an increase in parental stress and depression and thus contributed to an increase in child maltreatment."
Hurricane Katrina and Rita and Other Risk Factors
Looking at the other factors that increase the risk of child abuse gives us a possible grim outlook for the gulf coast. The hardest hit population of the gulf coast included the most poverty stricken of people. Add in the high crime rate of the area, high unemployment rate, the fact that social services are spread thin to deal with the disaster, and how many families may be fighting depression due to the extent of their losses; unfortunately, may become a recipe for child abuse.
Why the Research Matters
This research is important for communities to know and be aware of the need to monitor mental health in times of crisis and to look out for friends, neighbors, and family so that the children don't suffer.
Communities need to be prepared to offer more support to families who were hardest hit.
- Step in when you see a neighbor breaking down. Offer to watch the kids for an evening.
- Suggest a variety of coping skills to families who are struggling.
- Be available to listen.
- Become a licensed foster parent for your area as the need for more foster parents may rise due to the added stress and trauma.
- Seek professional help when things look too overwhelming to handle on your own.
Working together we can keep our children home, our families intact, and our communities strong.
Don't let the trauma and stress of natural disasters lead to another trauma for children and families.
Sources:
University of Northern Carolina News Release
Crime Statistics - CityRating.com
Looting New Orleans and America's Poverty Crisis
