The Disaster Preparedness & Response Project is a collaborative effort between NYSCADV and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to increase the capacity of first responders and domestic violence programs to prepare for and respond to survivors’ needs in the midst of a disaster.
The project, funded through FVPSA, was developed in response to recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Disasters like Superstorm Sandy expose the underlying social disparities among vulnerable populations, including victims of intimate partner violence. Domestic violence programs also face challenges to sustain the wellbeing and resilience of staff after a disaster strikes. Disaster preparedness is important, and practices focused on response, recovery and mitigation are equally important.
The two key components of this project are:
1. Facilitator trainings to key staff at domestic violence programs across the state.
The newly trained facilitators will then train first responders and domestic violence advocates on topics including:
- What is a natural disaster? What does intimate partner violence look like in disaster?
- What are the specific barriers that survivors of intimate partner violence face in times of disaster?
- Who are first responders? What do they do?
- What are the steps to disaster relief in my area?
- What protocol can my agency follow to ensure that survivors and staff are safe in the event of a disaster?
- How can I support a survivor who is experiencing intimate partner violence and disaster at the same time?
- How do I, as a staff person, get the support I need?
2. Assistance to survivors of intimate partner violence impacted by Superstorm Sandy.
For more information about resources for domestic violence programs and emergency responses as well as animal shelter database, follow the link to Clearinghouse on domestic violence and disaster website.
