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Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Outreach

The Problem

A Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing woman trying to leave an abusive relationship faces unique barriers.

Information travels quickly within a Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing community, compromising confidentiality and the victim’s safety.

Law enforcement and shelters are often not skilled at communicating with the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing and often don’t have interpreters.

The Size of the Problem

Four million women are physically abused each year by their partners.

  • 500,000 are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing.
  • 31% of American women report being physically or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime.
  • 6,000,000 are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing.

How the Hotline Can Help

The Hotline strives to educate the public about the need for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing abuse outreach programs.

Call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-787-3224, to find programs and services prepared to help the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing.

If you or your organization needs more ­information please e-mail: deafhelp@ndvh.org

How Family Violence Programs Can Help

Make efforts to understand the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing culture:

  • Invite Deaf advocates to your program.
    Recruit Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing volunteers.
  • Become familiar with Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing resources: local interpreters, churches,cultural groups and school programs.
  • Add TTY phone numbers to printed materials.
  • Teach staff to use TTY and ensure that the line is always answered.
  • Ensure that television public service announcements are close captioned.

Additional Resources

ADWAS—Abused Deaf Women Advocacy Services
www.adwas.org
206.726.0093 – TTY Office
206.236.3134 – TTY Hotline

Contact ADWAS for the most up-to-date information regarding these resources.

California

Los Angeles
LACAAW—Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women
www.lacaaw.org
213.955.9090
213.955.9095 – TDD

Colorado

Denver
DOVE—Advocacy Services for Abused Women
www.deafdove.org
303.831.7932 – Voice – Office
303.831.7874 – TTY 24 hr Hotline

Washington DC

DAWN—Deaf abused Women’s Network
www.deafdawn.org
866.290.3296 – TTY 24hr Hotline

Iowa
DWIAA—Deaf Women of Iowa Against Abuse

www.dwiaa.org
515.244.0875 – TTY
877.244.0875 – TTY Toll free

Illinois
DCAV—Deaf, blind and hard of hearing Community Against Violence
dcavchgo@aol.com

New York
ASDV—Advocacy Services for Deaf, blind and hard of hearing Victims
www.asadv.org
585.387.0744 – FAX
asadv@asadv.org

Ohio

DWAVE—Deaf Women Against Violence Everywhere
dwaveofcentralohio@aol.com

Pennsylvania
ADVAN—Abused Deaf Victims Advocacy Network
www.laurelhouseonline.org/advan.htm

888.883.0770 – TTY
800.642.3150 – Voice

Utah
SLCAD—Sego Lily
Center for the Abused Deaf
www.slcad.org

800.897.5465 – Voice
800.787.3224 – TTY

Vermont
DVAS—Deaf Victims
Advocacy Services
www.dvas.org

802.479.1934 – TTY Office
800.303.3827 – TTY Hotline

Virginia
VAV—Virginians
Against Violence
www.vadv.org

757.221.0990 – Voice
804.377.7330 – TTY

Washington
ADWAS—Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services
www.adwas.org

206.726.0093 – TTY Office
206.236.3134 – TTY Hotline

Deaf Women United
www.dwu.org