Domestic violence against deaf women occurs frequently. This is evident from the news articles about the most serious cases, that often involve the death of the deaf woman. Where can a fearful deaf or hard of hearing woman experiencing abuse of her partner go for help? Fortunately, there are many sources of help across the country, including 24-hour hotlines. However, very few have specialized shelters for battered deaf women.
How common is domestic violence and sexual assault of deaf women? According to a deaf social services agency, since half of all women experience domestic violence in their lives, this translates to one in two deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind women. Even the deaf actress and producer Marlee Matlin was a victim of domestic violence, and she wrote about this in her autobiography "I'll Scream Later."
The following social services agencies have services for deaf victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This list is not intended to be comprehensive.
California
Peace Over Violence - Peace Over Violence has offices in Los Angeles, California and Pasadena, California. The organization has a Deaf, Disabled, and Elder Services program that offers the usual array of services - counseling via video phone, referral services for shelters, and education.
Deaf Hope - Deaf Hope is based in Oakland, California. Their hotline service is via email. DeafHope's advocacy services include counseling and systems advocacy. There are support groups for women. In addition, Deaf Hope offers training on domestic and sexual violence to service organizations and the deaf community. On YouTube, DeafHope has a captioned public service announcement. Early in 2010, Deaf Hope competed in a Facebook contest to raise funds for its own shelter. Deaf Hope won some money through the competition, and is apparently moving forward with plans for its own shelter according to their capital campaign page.
Colorado
DOVE - Based in Denver, Colorado, DOVE offers education on domestic violence, emergency support to victims, and accompanies victims to the hospital. There are also support groups. A 24-hour hotline is answered by phone or email. Under "News and Events" on the site, there is a link to a signed film, "Ending the Silence."
District of Columbia
Deaf Abused Women's Network - The Deaf Abused Women's Network is based in Washington, DC. It provides legal, medical, and system advocacy. Survivor support services, including counseling, are also provided. DAWN also provides training to metro DC organizations. There is both an email and video phone hotline. DAWN also has a Facebook page.
Washington
Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services - ADWAS is based in Seattle, Washington state. Their services are for residents of King, Pierce or Snohomish counties. Their services encompass advocacy and counseling, including therapy. ADWAS also operates a National Domestic Violence Hotline for the deaf, accessible by instant messaging, email, and video phone. ADWAS has a transitional housing program, "A Place of Our Own," and is the only deaf social services agency About.com is aware of that has its own shelter. ADWAS also provides education and training to schools and agencies on preventing assault and domestic violence."
ADWAS is on Facebook. The Facebook page has a captioned video about ADWAS.
Utah
Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf - The Sego Lily Center is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The agency provides advocacy and referral services. Advocates give emotional support and coordinate the services needed by a victim. At the time the site was visited, Sego Lily was working on developing educational training in things such as anger management.
Illinois
Chicago Hearing Society - The Chicago Hearing Society on North Clybourn Avenue in Chicago, Illinois has a domestic violence counselor that offers counseling, advocacy, and referral services.
Iowa, Minnesota, and Oklahoma
CSD Domestic Violence Programs - In Minnesota, Iowa, and Oklahoma, CSD, which is better known for its interpreting and relay services, also has a domestic violence program as part of its community services in Minnesota. The Program refers victims to sources of help.
New York
Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Victims, Inc. - In Rochester, New York, ASADV provides information and referral, medical and legal advocacy, and can help victims develop a safety plan.
Freedom House Shelter in New York City has a deaf services program. There is a sign language proficient social worker. Victims can contact that social worker via email or text.
Ohio
Deaf Women Against Violence Everywhere - Based in Worthington, Ohio, Deaf Wave has a 24-hour advocacy service for victims of sexual assault. They also provide referrals to other agencies, and educational services.Texas
Safe Place - Safe Place has a deaf services program for residents of Austin and Travis counties in Texas. Through this program, deaf victims of domestic violence can have counseling, parenting classes, and advocacy services. At the time About.com visited the website, the 24 hour hotline was TTY only.Vermont
Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Sevices - DVAS provides training services for service agencies including shelters, on how to meet the needs of deaf victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. There is a separate program, the Hearing Loss Advocacy Network, for non-signing people with hearing loss. The program for signing deaf is called the Deaf Advocacy Network, and it offers services such as a deaf parents support group.If there are no services in your area listed above, remember you can contact the 24 hour national hotline.
Source: Deaf Abused Women's Network, Statistics and Facts page, accessed September 2010
