Speaking of Personal Space

Yahoo had an article today linked from The Daily Beast website on the after effects of the Haitian earthquake. The article, "Haiti's Rape Crisis," provides insight into how physical space can be a contributing factor in the rise of sexual violence in Haiti. With so many people out of their homes, jammed into makeshift camps, a loss of personal space and erasure of the barriers one home provides, is it a surprise that such a societal injustice is exacerbated? Especially when we consider Liesl Gerntholtz's point that "Violence against women was a problem in Haiti long before the earthquake, with rape only recognized as a crime in 2005. The earthquake has only increased the dangers for women and girls, though, and they will live with that increased risk for many months, if not years, to come." Gerntholtz's belief that the increased risk may stay for years only emphasizes how important a role physical space plays in a culture. The lack of housing and a poor economy are going to leave these women stuck in camps more vulnerable to what seems to be an epidemic within Haiti's social structure.