Special Collection: Violence in the Lives of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
his Special Collection offers information regarding the experiences and needs of individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and victims/survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. The purpose of this collection is to: 1) increase knowledge and understanding of Deaf culture, 2) provide resources to assist helping professionals in direct service work with Deaf individuals, and 3) highlight best practices.
This collection was prepared by staff of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence in consultation with Gretchen Waech, and with guidance from the National Cross-Systems Advocacy Network, a national partnership among advocates, persons with disabilities, Deaf persons, and others from the disability rights and anti-violence movements. The former executive director of Deaf Iowans Against Abuse and the Justice for Deaf Victims National Coalition, Gretchen Waech is a proud Deaf woman and adult child of hearing parents with particular expertise on the intersection of domestic and sexual violence and the Deaf culture. Special thanks to Cathy Hoog from Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) for her thoughtful contributions to this collection along with other members of the National Cross-Systems Advocacy Network. Comments and content suggestions for this special collection are welcome via VAWnet's Online Contact Form.
Table of Contents:
Deaf culture | Back to top
Deafness, by federal definition, is classified as a disability. Thus, people who are part of the group commonly referred to as the deaf and hard of hearing have the right to accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other pertinent laws.
However, within this group there are several sub-groups. Among them are those who consider themselves Deaf, with the capital D signifying a cultural identity. Those members of the Deaf community typically do not consider themselves as having a disability; rather, the characteristics of this group fall more in line with those of other cultural/linguistic minority groups. While not all people who are deaf or hard of hearing identify with the Deaf culture, a significant portion do. Organizations must integrate knowledge of Deaf culture into their policies, practices, and attitudes in order to provide culturally affirmative services to Deaf survivors.
To understand Deaf culture, it is helpful to consider the definition of culture in general: the values, traditions, norms, customs, arts, history, folklore, institutions, and experiences shared by a group of people who are defined by race, ethnicity, language, nationality, or religion. In the United States, one of the central unifying characteristics of Deaf culture is the use of American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a language with an established linguistic structure; it is as different from English as French or any other language. The use of ASL brings together a disparate group of individuals across the country, essentially creating a medium for shared values, norms, traditions, history, and experiences. This strengthens and emphasizes the linguistic minority status of the Deaf community.
There has been a significant movement in the United States to develop direct, culturally specific services for Deaf survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Fifteen programs are currently operating across the country and at least twenty more are in some state of development. However, since most communities do not have ready access to these programs, hearing advocates have an important role to play in offering culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible advocacy services to Deaf survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
The following materials provide more in depth information about the Deaf culture and its characteristics. In reading these materials, keep in mind that, as with any other culture, individual perspectives and definitions will vary. If the information appears to conflict, remember that members of the Deaf community are individuals, and that no definition will necessarily apply to every member of any given group.
- Understanding Deaf Culture |
HTML (1 p.)
by The Vera Institute of Justice, Accessing Safety Initiative
This section of the Accessing Safety Initiative website provides a basic overview of the Deaf community and its culture to promote an understanding of the cultural background of Deaf survivors.
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- Deaf Culture: NETAC Teacher Tipsheet |
PDF (4 p.)
by Linda Siple, Leslie Greer, and Barbra Ray Holcomb, Northeast Technical Assistance Center (2004)
This brief factsheet describes common terms used within Deaf community, details shared values in contrast with mainstream U.S. hearing culture, and offers guidelines for communication.
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- Defining Deaf Culture | HTML (1 p.)
by DeafCulture.com
This web page offers dictionary definitions of “culture” and offers an “insider’s definition” of Deaf culture that draws on aspects identified in these sources.
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- Deaf Culture | HTML (1 p.)
by ASLInfo.com
This resource provides an overview of Deaf culture including its terminology, features, and values.
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Definitions
The following definitions further highlight some of the existing differences among deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
The term deaf refers to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. The use of the lowercase "d" reflects a physical, audiological, or pathological view of a deaf person.
Hard of hearing refers to individuals who typically experience hearing loss from a physical or audiological perspective. An individual who is hard of hearing may primarily use spoken language (their residual hearing and speech) to communicate. Some individuals may self-identify as hard of hearing, regardless of the severity of their hearing loss, because of internalized oppression, seeing the term “deaf’ as stigmatizing. Also note that people in the Deaf community may refer to someone as “hard of hearing” if they choose to use speech and/or lipreading to communicate. This is regardless of the actual level of hearing loss an individual may have or their culturally Deaf identity.
As mentioned above, the use of the capital “D” in Deaf denotes a person who identifies as part of a cultural minority group, rather than as a person with a disability. With people who identify as Deaf, “people first” language does not apply (example: where you would say “person with a disability,” you would not use “person who is Deaf.” The correct usage would be “Deaf person.”)
The term hearing impaired, typically used in an official context, is often seen as negative and stigmatizing by the Deaf community. This term was created and has been nurtured by medical and audiological professionals, whose perspective on deafness generally falls on the pathological end of the scale. The majority of the Deaf community prefers the terms D/deaf and hard of hearing. Some individuals capitalize this as Hard of Hearing or HoH. However, because of the distinction between the Deaf community and a group of people with a hearing loss, this is not generally considered to be correct. Additionally, using the term ‘hearing impaired’ leads to ambiguity, as it does not at all define the level of hearing loss nor the cultural needs of a person.
It is important to realize that, as with any individual, a deaf or hard of hearing person has the right to self-label. Therefore, you may encounter those who still use the terms "hearing impaired" or "deaf and dumb" to refer to themselves. Honor this, while still continuing to use otherwise accepted terminology.
- What is the Difference Between a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Person? |
by National Association of the Deaf (2006)
This webpage describes definitions for these terms, noting that personally-chosen “labels” may reflect identification with the deaf community or merely describe how a person’s hearing loss affects their ability to communicate.
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History
History is a vital part of any culture. Passing from generation to generation, the stories of shared experiences, traditions, and customs form a framework for cultural continuity and growth. The written history of the Deaf community has traditionally been told by outside observers. These observers are hearing people -- audiologists, doctors, educators, and policymakers -- who have worked with deaf individuals and often miss the cultural hallmarks of the community. With the work of Dr. William Stokoe in the 1960s demonstrating that ASL meets all criteria to be considered a natural and distinct language, a swelling of pride and an understanding of capability began. This work, coupled with the socio-political changes surrounding the Civil Rights movement, led to the surge of Deaf-authored history texts, which continue today.
While this is sometimes considered "inferior" to officially-recorded histories (i.e., written in English), the "oral" tradition of recording history, in fact, fits the community's needs well and is a critical component of maintaining a full record of Deaf history.
- Timeline: History of Gallaudet and the Deaf Community |
by Gallaudet University Archives, Gallaudet University
This timeline includes significant events and milestones in the history of Deaf culture, dated from 1000BC through 2005.
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- History Through Deaf Eyes |
by Gallaudet University
The “DEAF EYES” project at Gallaudet University was established to bring Deaf history to the public and expand our understanding of United States history, and includes an online exhibition, book, and documentary film.
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Inclusion
Advocating for inclusion has been a defining role of the disability rights movement. However, the sometimes detrimental effect of inclusion on deaf individuals (children and adults) has often been ignored. When a Deaf person is expected to fit into an existing hearing group (of any type), it places a great burden both on the Deaf person and the group. With proper comprehensive support, it is possible to experience successful inclusion. However, comprehensive support is rarely provided. This holds true regardless of the age of the Deaf person or the nature of the group. As stated prior, much of the history of the Deaf community has been written by outside observers, ignorant of the Deaf experience. This practice has led to increased (rather than lessened) isolation of Deaf individuals.
This issue crops up often in relation to advocacy for Deaf survivors. From mandatory support group attendance policies extant in some programs to the seemingly simple act of living in a shelter, inclusion is a constant issue for these programs and survivors. An example illustrating when general inclusion-based practices are put in place without careful understanding of its consequences for Deaf survivors can potentially be seen in hearing domestic violence shelter settings. It is important for advocates to understand the potential danger of these practices and refer to information (see Guidelines for accessibility for deaf residents in shelter + View Summary by Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services) to prevent these incidents from happening. While equal access to services is a right, the "one size fits all" approach is inadequate for everyone. If the idea of inclusion is not embedded within the acknowledgment of each person's individual needs, the consequences for deaf survivors can be devastating. The survivor will typically experience such severe isolation (due to lack of or difficulty in communication both with staff and other residents) that she will often return to an abusive situation where she at least has communication access (if her abuser signs) within 24 hours. While providing an interpreter for short periods of time (such as during intake and during support group meetings) is an appropriate response, it is generally not enough to counteract the sense of isolation a survivor experiences. This underscores the importance of having culturally affirmative and linguistically accessible direct service advocates for Deaf survivors; it also emphasizes the importance of communication to the human condition. Therefore, creating safe and welcoming environments for Deaf survivors is an achievable and critical goal for all victims' services providers (see "Accommodations" section of this collection for more information).
- Stress Management, A Deaf Perspective |
by Deaf Culture Online (2008)
This resource provides information and relevant resources that highlight the level of stress generated from the mainstreaming of people who are D/deaf or hard of hearing in society.
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- Inclusion: NAD Position Statement |
by National Association of the Deaf
This position statement explains in detail NAD organization’s position with regard to mainstreaming Deaf children in school settings.
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- Bill of Rights for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children |
by National Association of the Deaf (Updated December 2007)
Bills of Rights for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children have been proposed and enacted in a number of states. This resource provides principles, language, and guidance for developing such a document. State-specific legislation is included.
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Myths and realities | Back to top
The following is a short list of common myths about deaf people:
All Deaf people wear hearing aids, and hearing aids restore hearing.
Hearing aids are assistive devices that, at their most basic, amplify sound. The use of hearing aids is restricted to those who have enough residual hearing to make effective use of them. While many deaf people have some degree of residual hearing, it may not be enough to utilize a hearing aid. Even if it is, a deaf person may choose not to wear one.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) provides more in depth information about Hearing Aids, their purpose, functionality and limitations.
All Deaf people read lips. Lipreading is such a precise science that lipreaders can understand what’s being said from across the room.
Lipreading is not considered an acquirable skill, but rather an inborn talent. It is possible for an expert lipreader with high English proficiency to combine what is visible on the lips with environmental cues, knowledge of subject matter, body language, and facial expressions to understand a reasonable percentage (50-75%) of what is said. Only a small percentage of deaf people are considered expert lipreaders. For the rest, word comprehension may be in the realm of 5%-10%; comprehension of the actual subject matter and concepts being presented is often nonexistent due to the strain of attempting to understand words.
All Deaf people use sign language.
Not all Deaf people communicate in the same way. American Sign Language (ASL), Signed English (SEE), lipreading/speechreading, writing, gesturing, and speaking are all methods of communication which may be utilized by different Deaf people.
All Deaf people are mute.
Never assume that Deaf people cannot speak. Some can, but choose not to; some cannot. Compare this with hearing people and their ability or inability to sing. Some can and choose not to, some cannot. Those Deaf people who do choose to speak will often have an accent, which is sometimes difficult to understand; consider it an exotic adventure and don’t give up!
Deaf people are less intelligent than hearing people; Deaf people who speak and who have good English skills are more intelligent than those who do not.
Hearing and speech usage have nothing to do with intelligence; likewise, the ability to speak English does not demonstrate IQ. Our society tends to belittle those for whom English is a second language, when in reality many of these same people have keen minds and excellent use of their first language. This holds true for many Deaf people as well.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Myths and Realities | PDF (1 p.)
by Canadian Hearing Society
This one-pager describes common myths about Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and provides factual information to debunk those myths.
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Audism: Oppression in the lives of Deaf individuals | Back to top
"Audism: hearing superiority"
Audism is an attitude based on pathological thinking that results in a negative stigma toward anyone who does not hear; like racism or sexism, audism judges, labels, and limits individuals on the basis of whether a person hears and speaks. (Humphrey and Alcorn 1995: 85) Audism reflects the medical view of deafness as a disability that must be fixed. It is rooted in the historical belief that deaf people were savages without language, equating language to humanity. Because many Deaf people grew up in hearing families who did not learn to sign, audism may be ingrained. Audists can be either hearing or deaf. This attitude can also be present among Deaf individuals. It is only when encountering Deaf-centered empowerment philosophies that Deaf individuals begin to understand their capabilities.
Examples of Audism:
- Jumping in to help a deaf person communicate.
- Asking a Deaf person to read your lips or write when s/he has indicated this isn’t preferred.
- Making phone calls for a deaf person since they "can't."
- Refusing to call an interpreter when one is requested.
- Assuming that those with better speech/English skills are superior.
- Asking a Deaf person to "tone down" their facial expressions because they are making others uncomfortable.
- Refusing to explain to a Deaf person why everyone around him is laughing – "never mind, I’ll tell you later, it doesn't matter."
- Devoting a significant amount of instructional time for a Deaf child to lipreading and speech therapy, rather than educational subjects.
- FAQ: Audism | PDF
by Gallaudet University
This webpage provides a list of various definitions of audism and several references that provide in-depth discussion of the concept.
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- Two Views of Deafness | HTML (1 p.)
by Chris Wixtrom, Rochester Institute of Technology (2003)
This chart compares two contrasting views of deafness: 1) as pathology and 2) as a difference. It provides helpful explanations of what a person might think or how they may behave.
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Language and communication | Back to top
The sharing of a language (American Sign Language) bridges racial, gender, class, and ethnic differences among the American Deaf community. As previously stated, not all deaf people will use ASL or other signed languages. It is always appropriate to ask the deaf person how s/he wishes to communicate.
"Many People mistakenly believe that American Sign Language (ASL) is English conveyed through signs. Some think that it is a manual code for English, that it can express only concrete information, or that there is one universal sign language used by Deaf people around the world. Linguistic research demonstrates, however, that ASL is comparable in complexity and expressiveness to spoken languages. It is not a form of English. It has its own distinct grammatical structure, which must be mastered in the same way as the grammar of any other language. ASL differs from spoken language in that it is visual rather than auditory and is composed of precise hand shapes and movements." (Excerpted from ASLInfo.com at: http://www.aslinfo.com/aboutasl.cfm)
"Because ASL is a visual language, there is a different set of rules for interactions or etiquette around communication than there is for English. For example, eye contact is extremely important in ASL. In a signed conversation the people involved in the conversation must always look at each other. For Deaf people, then, breaking eye contact or no eye contact during a conversation shows indifference." (Excerpted from The Vera Institute of Justice, Accessing Safety Initiative: Understanding Deaf Culture)
- About ASL | HTML (1 p.)
by ASLInfo.com
This document describes the language of American Sign and discusses the history of its development, having been standardized in the early 1800s.
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- ASL: A Paradigm Shift | HTML (4 p.)
by Deaf Culture Online (2008)
This article explores cultural aspects and the history of ASL from a personal experience and perspective.
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Etiquette | Back to top
While norms may change from community to community and person to person, there are some common behaviors seen throughout the Deaf community. Additionally, there are some behaviors that in a hearing group, would be considered rude, but are actually quite acceptable within the Deaf community.
- Maintaining eye contact.
- Being blunt and direct, whether in description or opinion.
- Waving, tapping the shoulder, stamping on the floor, banging on the table, and turning the lights on and off to get someone's attention.
- Touching during conversations.
- Hugging when greeting or leaving.
- Long goodbyes (saying goodbye to multiple people and engaging in further conversation during this process).
- Walking between persons who are using sign language to communicate.
- Exaggerated facial expressions in conjunction with the use of ASL (Facial expressions are an important part of communication in Sign. Additionally, Deaf people learn to read facial expressions when communicating with hearing people. It is very important to be mindful of body language when communicating with a Deaf person.)
- Sharing of information which might typically be considered “personal,” both their own information and other people’s - this is due to the collective nature of the Deaf community, and can be a serious barrier for advocates who struggle to help their Deaf clients understand the importance and/or meaning of confidentiality.
- Etiquette Tips for Working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals | PDF (1 p.)
by Vera Institute of Justice, Accessing Safety Initiative
This one-pager offers tips for hearing advocates to engage in effective, respectful communication with Deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
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- Values and Norms | HTML (1 p.)
by The Vera Institute of Justice, Accessing Safety Initiative
This webpage provides information on etiquette, norms and values present in the Deaf culture.
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Accommodations | Back to top
Understanding your responsibilities as service providers when working with Deaf or hard of hearing individuals establishes the foundation toward making those services accessible. Such responsibilities are delineated in the Americans with Disability Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act. However, these responsibilities provide the minimum standards of what you are required to do. Creating an environment and a program that is welcoming to Deaf individuals requires solutions that exceed legal requirements or the minimum standards.
Accessibility
Accessibility is typically defined by the use of assistive devices or physical accommodations such as a ramp for persons who use wheelchairs or Braille labeling on elevator buttons. However, understanding that accessibility goes beyond improving the physical characteristics of a building is critical for service providers. Programmatic and attitudinal accessibility comprise the other elements that, when working in concert, facilitate the provision of culturally affirmative services.
Assistive devices such as video phones and pagers make communication with the outside world and with one another possible for Deaf persons. However, physical access cannot be the only priority, such as providing a flashing fire alarm and believing this is sufficient. Similarly, programmatic or attitudinal practices, such as maintaining strict 9-5 access to a videophone, despite providing 24/7 access for hearing residents to a regular phone, the results can be devastating for Deaf individuals. Refer to the resources at the end of this section for more detailed information.
Additionally, when Deaf survivors are expected to engage in a shelter culture that does not promote accessibility because of its practices, the survivor becomes further isolated and more likely to leave the shelter. Some of these practices include the refusal to provide interpreters (often excused due to the cost/budget restraints), expecting the survivor to turn in her pager or cell phone in the name of safety, or making decisions for her that will ultimately affect her future and that of her children.
In the context of sexual assault programs, the accommodations listed above also play an important role. However, in this kind of setting the issue of accessibility revolves primarily around the need for a certified and qualified sign language interpreter during individual and group counseling sessions and any other contact between the survivor and the agency. Although adding a third party during these sessions is not ideal, it provides the survivor with the option to share her story. Utilizing paper and pen or a computer during these sessions in place of an interpreter is not recommended unless the survivor specifically requests to communicate in this manner.
- Addressing Accessibility |
by The Vera Institute of Justice, Accessing Safety Initiative
This resource offers information of how to make services welcoming and accessible for persons with disabilities and Deaf persons. Areas of emphasis include: meeting your responsibilities, designing environments for all, addressing individual needs, etc.
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- Guidelines for accessibility for deaf residents in shelter |
by Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services
This checklist offers steps for making domestic violence shelter services more accessible and user-friendly for deaf women in your local community.
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- Study Reveals Unique Issues Faced by Deaf Victims of Sexual Assault |
by Lauren R. Taylor with Nicole Gaskin-Laniyan, National Institute of Justice (June 2007)
Describes findings of a study describing some of the unique barriers faced by deaf victims seeking help and offering recommendations for improving the relationship between law enforcement and the deaf community.
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- Assisting Women Who Are Abused in Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community |
PPT (52 p.)
by Presented at The Children’s Institute, Rochester (August 2005)
This 52-slide PowerPoint presentation reviews Deaf culture and language, domestic violence in the Deaf community, the rights of the Deaf and ADA accommodations, and ways to better meet the safety and communication needs of Deaf survivors seeking services.
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- Working with Deaf Survivors of Domestic Violence |
DOC (4 p.)
by Susun Kim, Bay Area Legal Aid, Contra Costa Regional Office
The author describes her experience in learning to become an advocate for Deaf survivors of domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of both linguistic and cultural competency, and the necessity of key collaborations towards successful advocacy work.
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- Deaf Power and Control Wheel |
by Rossana Reis, DeafHope (2006)
Developed based on interviews with Deaf survivors of domestic violence, this power and control wheel highlights some of the dynamics of abuse when the abuser is a hearing individual.
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Interpreters
An Interpreter is a bilingual-bicultural professional who 1) interprets while 2) being sensitive to the environmental factors that foster or impede the message and 3) conducts her/himself in a professional ethical manner.
Although some states have laws requiring the certification of ASL interpreters, this practice does not guarantee that these professionals are qualified to provide their services in domestic or sexual violence situations. The majority of the interpreters have not received training on these issues and often times find themselves ill equipped to provide adequate services during such critical situations. Training interpreters on violence against women’s issues is a practice that can benefit all parties involved.
- Interpreting |
by ASLInfo.com
This resource offers information related to American Sign Language interpreters, including a detailed description about services they provide.
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Best practices | Back to top
Use of Interpreters
- Plan in advance: have a line item in your budget to pay for interpreters.
- Partner with interpreting services agencies and provide them with training on sa/dv.
- Ask the survivor if there is an interpreter she prefers to work with in that situation. She may prefer not to work with interpreters she knows personally, or she may prefer someone whose signing style (similar to a hearing person’s accent) is familiar to her.
- When using an interpreter, try to either supply the interpreter and the Deaf person with vocabulary ahead of time, or explain any jargon used in practical terms to the interpreter. This will ease the interpretation and ensure the Deaf person understands the concept you are attempting to convey.
Working with Deaf Victims/Survivors
The following scenarios provide examples of best practices when working with Deaf survivors. These scenarios are organized in order of preference, reflecting a range that includes several options. It is important to remember that the survivor has the ultimate choice regarding which option to utilize.
a) Having a well prepared Deaf advocate who has been thoroughly trained by a sexual assault and domestic violence program work with a Deaf survivor is the ideal situation.
b) If your agency does not have a Deaf advocate on staff, making a referral to a neighboring agency that does employ a Deaf advocate (with the survivor’s consent) is the second best choice.
c) Co-advocacy, or a team approach, is often beneficial for survivor and advocates alike. This involves pairing a hearing advocate who is well versed in local resources with a Deaf advocate who might represent an organization with a broader scope. This might apply to the case of statewide organizations working in collaboration with local sexual assault/domestic violence programs.
d) Another effective team approach when working with Deaf survivors consists of well-trained hearing advocates (not only trained in advocacy but also in Deaf culture) who work with a qualified ASL interpreter and a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) if available and appropriate.
Note: It is important to understand that Deaf survivors are not responsible for payment of the interpreters. This is a common misconception for survivors, and often times they do not seek services because they cannot afford an interpreter.
In emergency situations, when all the other possibilities have been exhausted, well-trained hearing advocates can utilize Video Relay Interpreters (VRI) to communicate with survivors. However, this option is not meant to replace a qualified interpreter under any circumstances, who can provide services in domestic or sexual violence related situations and can be physically present in the same location with the survivor.
Training tools | Back to top
- Deaf Power and Control Wheel | PDF (4 p.)
by Rossana Reis, DeafHope (2006)
Developed based on interviews with Deaf survivors of domestic violence, this power and control wheel highlights some of the dynamics of abuse when the abuser is a hearing individual.
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- Deaf Culture and Domestic Violence | PPT (44 p.)
by Gretchen Waech, Justice for Deaf Victims National Coalition (March 2009)
This PowerPoint presentation offers an overview of the Deaf culture, accessibility challenges faced by Deaf individuals in society, dynamics present for Deaf victims, myths and realities about the Deaf culture among members of the hearing world, and more.
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- Deaf Women Who Dared to Change the World | PPT (66 p.)
by Transition Services Preparation & Training (2005)
This PowerPoint presentation contains information about Deaf women who played critical roles in the world. Their accomplishments reached many circles beyond the Deaf culture.
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- Disability Studies-Deaf Women | HTML (24 p.)
by Center for Human Policy, Law and Disability Studies, Syracuse University
This web page offers a list of resources related to Deaf women and women with disabilities in a variety of topics: literature, art, advocacy, history of the deaf culture, etc. All resources include descriptions and compete sources.
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- Provider's Guide to Quality and Culture | HTML (45 p.)
by Manager’s Electronic Resource Center
This website is designed to assist health care organizations throughout the U.S. in providing high quality, culturally competent services to multi-ethnic populations.
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- Deaf Power and Control Triangle | PDF (1 p.)
by Keri Darling, Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services (DVAS) (2007)
This triangle provides a visual illustration with examples of the unique tactics abusers may use to gain and maintain power and control over a victim who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
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Additional Resources | Back to top
- Domestic Violence: We Can’t Ignore it Anymore | PDF (3 p.)
by Julie Rems-Smario, National Association for the Deaf
This article discusses the “double code of silence” historically experienced by deaf survivors of domestic violence. Deaf survivors face barriers when seeking help from either the hearing or deaf community.
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- When Deaf and Hearing Meet: Until We Can Communicate with Ease – A work-book for Hearing People Connected to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Disability, and Related Programs | PDF (22 p.)
by Mark Sweet, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Division of Disability and Elder Services Office (March 2006)
This workbook offers introductory information about language, culture, and respectful interactions between hearing and Deaf, helping the user feel comfortable, confident, creative, and competent to provide respectful assistance to Deaf individuals.
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- Deaf Victims/Survivors: A Guide to Effective Service Delivery | PDF (32 p.)
by Crisis Center Foundation (CCF), the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the CCF Deaf Ad (Revised March 2009)
This resource is intended to help the staff of domestic violence programs better understand the needs of Deaf/HOH victim/survivors and provide services in ways that appropriately meet those needs.
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- Services for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Victims of Domestic Violence | PDF (2 p.)
by Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (1999, Spanish 2005)
This brochure is intended to assist domestic violence victims who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing increase their knowledge of what types of services are available to them and the importance of their confidentiality when receiving services.
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- Interaction with Deaf People- A to Z | | PDF (5 p.)
by Gretchen Waech, Deaf Iowans Against Abuse (2007)
This fact sheets offer information about Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and the Deaf culture in general, providing the reader with tips for how to best interact with Deaf individuals.
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- Safe Use of Your Email and TTY | PDF (1 p.)
by DeafHope
This resource offers concrete information to Deaf survivors who are experiencing domestic violence in terms of safety planning. It highlights details to take into consideration when using e-mail or TTY from a safety perspective.
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- Planning for the safety of you and your children | PDF (1 p.)
by DeafHope
This one-pager lists important elements useful to domestic violence survivors/victims when safety planning.
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- Understanding the Needs of the Victims of Sexual Assault in the Deaf Community | PDF (115 p.)
by Jennifer Obinna, Sarh Krueger, Constance Osterbaan, Jane Sadusky, & Wendy DeVore, Council on Crime and Justice (October 2005)
This report offers information from a study that examines the services provided to deaf individuals who were victims of sexual assault, the gaps that exist, and what service providers can do to fill those gaps.
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Organizations providing services to Deaf Victims/Survivors | Back to top
National Domestic Violence TTY Hotline
1 (800) 787-3224
The National Domestic Violence TTY Hotline (NDVH) is available to Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind people across the nation. The NDVH headquarters is in Austin, Texas and partners with ADWAS in Seattle. At ADWAS, the national TTY hotline operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. A future goal is to have ADWAS operate the national TTY hotline 24-hours a day.Note: Only programs that are formally established and providing services are listed here. The services provided vary from program to program.
For information about emerging programs not listed here, please contact Keri Darling of Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services at kdarling@dvas.org.California
- DeafHope - Oakland
"DeafHope is a nonprofit organization, established for and by Deaf women in January 2003. Our mission at DeafHope is to end domestic and sexual violence against Deaf women and children through empowerment, education and services. This mission will be achieved on three levels - by providing services to Deaf women and children who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence; by educating our community and service providers about domestic and sexual violence; and by providing statewide training and technical assistance to establish more Deaf-run services for Deaf survivors."- Peace Over Violence - Los Angeles
"Peace Over Violence is a non-profit, feminist, multicultural, volunteer organization dedicated to a building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. To achieve this mission our agency manages five departments delivering the services of Emergency, Intervention, Prevention, Education and Advocacy."- San Diego Deaf Mental Health Services (SDDMHS) - San Diego
"San Diego Deaf Mental Health Services provides comprehensive and culturally affirmative mental health and social work services to all deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their family members, regardless of their social or economic condition, living in the County of San Diego, CA."Colorado
- DOVE: Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Women and Children - Denver
"Dove's mission is to provide culturally appropriate and fully accessible services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. DOVE works to empower victims by providing 24-hr crisis intervention, information and referral, and advocacy. DOVE is also committed to changing attitudes which foster and perpetuate violence through community education, outreach, and interagency collaboration."District of Columbia
- Deaf Abused Women's Network
"DAWN is a Deaf-Women run community-based non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to educating the community about domestic violence and sexual violence. We are advocates, domestic violence/sexual violence survivors, volunteers and leaders who share a common language, American Sign Language (ASL), and strive to end the cycle of DV/SV. We serve Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind residents and families of the Washington, D.C. and the Metro area who have experienced DV/SV by providing crisis intervention, education, advocacy, and resource referral."Illinois
Chicago Hearing Society - Chicago
"Chicago Hearing Society’s mission is to empower deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people to communicate with each other, thereby lessening the isolation which separates them."
Iowa
- Deaf Iowans Against Abuse (DIAA) - Cedar Rapids
Contact: diaabuse@gmail.com
VP: 866-319-8987 (by appointment only)Maryland
- Deaf Abused Women's Network - Washington, DC
(See DAWN)Michigan
Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (DWAS) - Detroit
Contact: dwas99@aol.comMinnesota
- CSD of Minnesota Deaf Domestic Violence Program - St. Paul
"CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing broad-based services, ensuring public accessibility and increasing public awareness of issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Through global leadership and a continuum of quality communication services and human service programs, CSD provides the tools conducive to a positive and fully integrated life."New York
- Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Victims - Rochester
"Our mission is to provide support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults and their children who are or have been victims of domestic violence and or sexual assault. A safe environment of empowering, advocacy, and educational/training services will be offered to them."- Freedom House Emergency Shelter - New York City
"Freedom House is an Emergency Shelter for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities or survivors who have children with disabilities. We are equipped to serve people with all kinds of disabilities, from physical to emotional to recovering substance abusers. We have staff fluent in English, Spanish and American Sign Language."Ohio
- Deaf Women Against Violence Everywhere - Central Ohio
"To establish a model agency to offer culturally affirmative advocacy and support services to survivors of domestic violence (DV) and/or sexual assault (SA) in Central Ohio's Deaf/hard of hearing community."Oklahoma
- CSD of Oklahoma Deaf Domestic Violence Program - Oklahoma City and Tulsa
"CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing broad-based services, ensuring public accessibility and increasing public awareness of issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Through global leadership and a continuum of quality communication services and human service programs, CSD provides the tools conducive to a positive and fully integrated life."Oregon
- State of Oregon Domestic Violence/Disability Abuse Coordinator Deaf/Hard of Hearing Advocate
Contact: 541.754.0273 TTY
Phone Message: 541.754.0384
Contact Person: Gwinette E. Hamlett
Contact Email: GwinetteHamlett2000@yahoo.comTexas
Safe Place - Austin
"We provide individual counseling, support groups, advocacy and parenting classes by staff fluent in American Sign Language. We also provide training and education on topics related to domestic and sexual violence in the Deaf community."Utah
- Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf - Salt Lake City
"The Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf (SLCAD) is an advocacy agency designed to meet the specific needs of Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is modeled after the Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) from Seattle, Washington."Vermont
- Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Service
"The mission of DVAS is to enrich the lives of people with hearing loss by providing access to services, education and advocacy."Virginia
- Deaf Abused Women's Network - Washington, DC
(See DAWN)Washington
- Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services - Seattle
"ADWAS is committed to providing services to Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence. The mission of ADWAS is a belief that violence is a learned behavior and it should not be tolerated."
- Transitional Housing Program: A Place of Our Own features 19 individual units of transitional housing for very low income families who are homeless.
Wisconsin
- Deaf Unity
Contact: deafunity@gmail.com
Bibliography | Back to top
Reading Between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Interpreters (1999) by Anna Mindess, Thomas K. Holcomb, Daniel Langholtz, and Priscilla Poynor Moyers
When the Mind Hears: A History of the Deaf (1989) by Harlan Lane
The Mask of Benevolence: Disabling the Deaf Community (1999) by Harlan L. Lane
A Journey Into the Deaf-World (1996) by Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister and Ben Bahan
Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood (2003) by Paddy Ladd
NRCDV Webinar Materials | Back to top
- 'Why Cry if No One Hears?' The Deaf Community’s Experience of Sexual and Domestic Violence - Webinar Materials | HTML
by Gretchen Waech, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) (August 2009)
Materials from the webinar held on July 28 and 29, 2009 include the PowerPoint presentation and questions and answers from the presenter. The transcript will be available soon.
+ View Summary
- Violence in the lives of the Deaf: Unique Challenges Webinar Materials | PPT (43 p.) HTML
by Gretchen Waech & Heidi Notario-Smull, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (March 2010)
This webinar provided information about the barriers encountered by Deaf survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault when seeking advocacy services from mainstream programs.
+ View Summary
ADWAS materials available for purchase | Back to top
The following link provides access to materials such as videos, books, handbooks, etc. developed by the Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) in Seattle, WA. Information on how to order these resources is available at the bottom of the page.http://www.adwas.org/publications/publications.php
