(Louisiana Illuminator) — As we mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated southern Louisiana, we have real progress to recognize. Our levees are stronger, poverty has declined, we have seen significant gains in educational attainment.
But beneath that recovery lies a quieter, more persistent crisis — one we cannot afford to ignore if we want to build true resilience for the future.
Women and children in Louisiana continue to bear the brunt of economic hardship and violence — both within the home and embedded in our broader systems. And new research from the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University shows that these vulnerabilities not only persist—they often worsen during times of crisis.
To mark the 20-year anniversary of Katrina, we released a trio of policy briefs using data from our 2023 Louisiana Violence Experiences Survey (LaVEX) and other statewide sources. Together, they tell a sobering story.
We found that children under 5 — and by extension, families with young children — are disproportionately likely to live in poverty. Many parents face crippling child care costs, with some going into debt just to secure care.
When families are hit with economic shocks — like eviction, homelessness, or not having enough money for food or basic needs — the burden intensifies. These kinds of shocks, especially during and after hurricanes, are linked to increased risk of domestic violence, a threat that falls most heavily on women, particularly those raising young children.
The impact of violence doesn’t start in adulthood. More than 1 in 5 Louisianans report witnessing violence against their mother during childhood. Nearly 1 in 8 girls and 1 in 5 boys in our state report having been physically abused before the age of 13.
These early experiences leave lasting scars and unless we intervene, they are often passed down across generations.
This cycle of poverty and violence is made worse by the climate threats we face. Louisiana is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and severe weather events. When the storm hits, it doesn’t just tear down buildings — it tears into the stability of the families who can least afford to recover.
If we want to be truly resilient — not just surviving disaster, but growing stronger in its aftermath — we must confront poverty and violence as root causes of vulnerability.
That begins with investing in the systems that protect and empower families every day.
We need accessible, affordable and reliable child care so parents can work and children can thrive. We need stronger safety nets — emergency financial assistance, tenant protections, and food support — especially during times of climate disruption.
And we need to treat violence prevention as essential infrastructure: early screening, wraparound services and survivor support must be built into the very systems that serve our communities including disaster relief.
Louisiana’s long history with natural disasters is well known. But as we look to the future, the more enduring threat may not be the storms themselves, but our tolerance for the persistent social and economic vulnerabilities they expose — and often deepen.
This is our moment to act — not just to survive the next storm but to ensure that all Louisianans, especially our youngest and most vulnerable, can thrive.
