Media Release - Bushfire season sends more than the bush up in flames
MEDIA RELEASE
8 December 2025
BUSHFIRE SEASON SENDS MORE THAN THE BUSH UP IN FLAMES
Tasmanian family violence service, Engender Equality is reminding the Tasmanian community that outdated and harmful gendered expectations of both men and women during disasters increases the risk of family violence.
Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,
“Violence against women has been found to increase during and after disasters.
“Traditional gender roles place expectations on men to provide and protect, and on women to nurture and care for others, sometimes at the expense of their own safety and wellbeing.
“This contributes to increased violence against women and their children and negative consequences for women, men and LGBTQIA+ people, long after the fire front has moved through.
“Excuses are made for men’s violence because they may have suffered in the disaster, or because they are seen as ‘good blokes’ and even ‘heroic’.
“This condoning of men’s violence against women and their children is extremely damaging for disaster survivors.
“We all have a role to play in disaster planning, response and recovery — including paying attention to the health of our relationships, not just the safety of people and property.” Ms Thomas said.
Australian research1 has indicated that domestic violence increased following the 2009 bushfires, and, further, that women’s voices were effectively silenced (Parkinson, 2012). After the Black Saturday bushfires, men, women, and emergency workers all spoke of male behaviours following the traumatic experience of the fires and in their aftermath, that were harmful both to themselves and to those close to them (Parkinson, 2012; Zara & Parkinson, 2013).
For more information visit the Engender Equality website or phone (03) 6278 9090.
Ends.
Media Contact: Alina Thomas 0438 788 291
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you would like to engage a lived experience representative (case study), please see Advocates for Change – Engender Equality, email advocates@engenderequality.org.au or phone: 0415 740 524.
Video - Advocates for Change - Meet Kianna
Like many women in Australia, Kianna has experienced family violence and sexual assault. She has also been to prison.
Kianna has joined the Advocates for Change program because she believes that women who have survived violence do have a voice. She believes that they can come together and create change for all victim-survivors.
Kianna is doing a series of videos to answer some of the thoughts and concerns you may have before joining us in advocacy.
You are not alone. Your experiences matter. You have the right to feel safe, to be supported.
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We understand that you may have some questions or concerns about becoming an advocate. You are not alone.
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