Deaf women are twice as likely as their hearing peers to suffer domestic abuse. Around 22 Deaf women are at risk of abuse every day. Ironically, a key role in this is played by BSL, their preferred language – as every word and expression could be a potential trigger.
If your perpetrator is active within the Deaf Community, they’ll know how to exploit your communication skills. This inhibits you from reaching out to even your closest Deaf friends – never mind your family (many of whom lack signing skills).
But the experience of domestic abuse for Deaf women is the same as hearing women. We are seduced by our perpetrator’s apparent sincerity, their psychological control – grooming us for abuse. By the time the violence turns physical, we’re emotionally and mentally paralysed, unable to articulate ourselves properly to those close to us.
SignHealth are contactable via:
Text the number 88802 with the message 121SIGN
Email – da@signhealth.org.uk (regularly monitored)
Telephone – 0203 947 2600 (all calls to the Domestic Abuse Team are being redirected – if unable to get through then please email the service)
WhatsApp/SMS: – 07970 350366
On our website we have a wealth of information produced in BSL (with subtitles) explaining domestic abuse issues such as Migrant and Refugee Survivors, Finances, Wellbeing and Self-Care and many more – please use and share https://signhealth.org.uk/video-category/domestic-abuse/
An explanation about our remote service has also been translated into BSL (with subtitles). Follow this link: Coronavirus response - https://signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-service/
Please view the following deaf sign video around domestic abuse: http://www.signhealth.org.uk/deafhope-tackels-domestic-abuse/
For help and support, please contact our Safe to Talk Helpline on 0800 111 4998, or email: referrals@coventryhaven.co.uk
We have trained staff who are able to sign, trained by the BSL.
Locally in Coventry, we can support you via https://www.coventrycitizensadvice.org.uk/about/deaf-service-coventry-citizens-advice/ where we can attend with you at Coventry Citizens Advice for advice on the second Tuesday of each month from 10am to 11.45am when a sign language interpreter will be available.
Further support and information can be found on the DeafHope website here.
A leaflet and poster are available to download here: leaflet / poster
Please see information about staying safe here; this includes BSL also: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-and-support-resources/