In the coastal communities affected by the Gulf oil spill, thousands of people are still reeling from the effects of the BP oil disaster. Domestic violence, depression and substance abuse has soared as a result of the BP oil spill and there are no signs of these numbers going down any time soon.
Domestic Violence in the Gulf
The Huffington Post reported on October 20, 2010 that six months after the BP oil disaster, people’s lives have been drastically altered. In "Six Months Later, an Oil Disaster Spreads Across the Gulf," reporter Rocky Kistner writes, “Laura Olson, a research scientist with George Washington University's Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management, spent the past five years studying the communities in Plaquemines Parish. In a recent report, she described a community pushed to the brink by the BP oil disaster.”
Since the oil spill, there has been an alarming rise in incidents of domestic violence within families. In Plaquemines Parish, in the first quarter 2010, there were 32 reported cases of domestic violence while in the second quarter of 2010, since the oil spill began, the number of reported cases more than doubled to 68. It is predicted that substance abuse, child abuse, financial worries, depression, suicide and other negative impacts will manifest themselves into increase numbers in the impacted communities.
Sociologist Lydia Johnson agrees. In a telephone interview with Suite101, Ms. Johnson explained, “Any time people face tough hurdles, depression, substance abuse, and all forms of domestic violence spike. This is an area in which past traumas (Katrina) have greatly affected many people. The psychological effects of the Gulf oil spill will add to this exponentially.” Ms. Johnson also addressed an important fact that the reported rates of domestic violence and substance abuse do not reflect the actual numbers; actual numbers she asserts are doubled.
In her article "Collateral Disaster: Domestic Violence Up After Oil Spill," Jenny Inglee reports that Mayor Stan Wright of Bayou La Batre, Alabama, told the BBC that domestic violence has risen by 320 percent since the Gulf oil spill began. She wrote, “There has been a 110 percent increase in daily calls and complaints to the local police department.”
After the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, rates of alcoholism, suicide, and domestic violence all increased in the towns that were affected by the spill. After Hurricane Andrew in Miami, spousal abuse calls to the local helpline increased by 50 percent, and police reports of domestic violence went up 46 percent following the eruption of the Mt. St. Helens volcano in 1980.
Substance Abuse in the Gulf
Joannie Hughes is a co-founder of the Coastal Heritage Society of Louisiana located in Plaquemines Parish. In an interview with Suite101 she says, “We are seeing an increase of substance abuse, depression and domestic violence.”
Suite101 asked Ms. Hughes if BP or the federal government have come forward to provide services to help those in need. Ms. Hughes responded, “No. The federal government and BP have not stepped up to the plate. As a matter of fact, BP has pulled out of almost every area and there is still oil out there.” She continues, “Too many people here are self-medicating and it’s no wonder. No job, no prospects of employment – it is looking dismal for far too many people here.”
Depression in the Gulf
A Gallup survey released in September 2010 indicates that depression cases are up more than 25 percent since the BP oil spill. The conclusions of this survey were consistent with trends seen in smaller studies and witnessed by mental health workers.
Nola.com reports in Depression up 25 percent on Gulf Coast after oil spill, Gallup poll reveals (Sept. 28/10) that the level of mental illness professionals are seeing is similar to that seen six months after Hurricane Katrina decimated the coast five years ago. Experts are saying that they are not seeing any improvement in mental health five months after the oil crisis began.
Tonya Fistein is one of four counselors hired by AltaPointe Health Systems specifically to help people emotionally deal with the spill in Bayou La Batre, a tiny Alabama fishing community hit hard by the disaster. She says, “It's like a virus that's spreading.”
Joannie Hughes says that many people are thankful that the Louisiana Spirit Coastal Counseling Program has stepped up to the plate. “They provide free counseling, free psychiatric services and free meds to help those in need.” According to Ms. Hughes, women have been quick to take advantage of the free services but sadly many men are bottling their emotions. “The fishermen here are so accustomed to being the pillar of strength that they associate shame with going to get help."
Lydia Johnson states, “It’s still only the beginning. Sadly, domestic violence, substance abuse and depression rates will continue to rise. The effects of the Gulf oil spill will be felt for many years.”
Sources:
The Huffington Post, Oct. 20/2010. Six Months Later, an Oil Disaster Spreads Across the Gulf; Rocky Kistner.
Take Part, Date Unknown. Collateral Disaster: Domestic Violence Up After Oil Spill; Jenny Inglee
Nola.com, Sept. 28, 2010. Depression up 25 percent on Gulf Coast after oil spill, Gallup poll reveals. Associated Press
November 26, 2010. Telephone interview with Lydia Johnson, Sociologist. Metropolitan Community College and Iowa Western Community College.
November 26, 2010. Telephone interview with Joannie Hughes, co-founder of the Coastal Heritage Society of Louisiana.
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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