Domestic Violence spike after disaster strikes

The hidden aftermath of natural disasters

This story was originally published on Courier Mail, Brisbane's website.

Domestic violence cases tend to spike drastically following natural disasters, increasing by over five-fold in some cases.

Not-for-profit charity GIVIT found an increase in support requests from people experiencing domestic and
family violence in the following 12 months after a disaster.

A GIVIT spokesman reported a 580 per cent increase in domestic and family violence rates in flood-impacted
Queensland and NSW regions during 2022. 

Queensland has experienced its fair share of debilitating natural disasters in 2025, including Cyclone Alfred as
well as severe flooding in North and Central Queensland.

GIVIT Head of Engagement Christina Spehr said more than half of GIVIT’s 24,000 essential goods and services requests were for people experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Australian research demonstrates a more than 50 per cent increase in rates of domestic and family violence following a disaster. GIVIT data also shows an increase of up to tenfold in domestic and family violence requests in the 12 months following a disaster.”

-Christina Spehr, GIVIT Head of Engagement

The national charity also identified a spike in domestic and family violence around widely watched sporting
events and public holidays.

DV support requests surge following natural disasters 

Not-for-profit organisation The Centre For Women & Co chief executive Stacey Ross said she saw the increase in demand for support services following disasters such as the pandemic and Cyclone Alfred.

“There have definitely been certain natural disasters that really shone a light on people who don’t normally come into our service coming into our service during those times,” Ms Ross said. “Obviously, it’s a very stressful time for people. “For some people, they become dysregulated in themselves and that can put a lot of stress on the family, especially for the person using violence.”

She said the issue can be minimised through education and, “supporting people who use violence before they start using violence”.