Health officials say vulnerable groups are at greater risk of interpersonal and gender-based violence, following the passage of hurricane Melissa and are urging healthcare workers to be prepared to respond.

NCD Risk Factor Programme Development Officer at the Health Ministry, Dr. Cathi-Ann Williams-Harrison says, cases of interpersonal and gender-based violence often intensify after natural disasters.

She says the ministry is focused on ensuring that vulnerable groups can access care, noting that the heightened stress and disruption caused by the hurricane can increase their exposure to violence.

Meantime, Senior Director in the Enabling Environment in Health and Client Services Branch, Karlene Temple-Anderson says this preparedness must be matched with strict attention to privacy and survivor choice.

She adds that healthcare workers must ensure that consultations are conducted in confidential spaces and that survivors feel free to decide whether they want to participate.

They were speaking at the health ministry’s post hurricane webinar for the management of interpersonal and gender-based violence yesterday.