Clear communication is essential for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing (deaf people) victims and survivors when seeking help and receiving services

This $5,000,000 Cooperative Agreement awarded by the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (CFDA 16.529 - Education, Training, and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities) will enable Activating Change, Inc., a non-profit organization, to implement a multi-faceted strategy to enhance services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and abuse.

Specifically, the grant will fund the launch of a virtual "for Deaf, by Deaf" victim services program, pilot in-person service delivery models, and scale up in-person culturally appropriate services. Activating Change will partner with Deafhope, another non-profit, to provide strategic direction, share best practices, and assist with program implementation. Key activities include developing policies and practices for virtual service delivery, recruiting and training a diverse services staff, and coordinating with other service providers. The grant aims to improve access and responsiveness of victim services for this historically underserved population.

For many deaf people, the best way to communicate is in-person, using sign language, protactile, or an assistive communication device. Services that best meet the needs of deaf victims and survivors are provided in the preferred form of communication of the individual and are rooted in deaf culture. These services are for deaf, by deaf services. However, these types of services are often not available due to the limited number of culturally deaf domestic violence and sexual assault programs. Additionally, most hearing organizations do not employ deaf advocates, so few of them are well-positioned to provide culturally appropriate services to deaf victims and survivors. As a result, many deaf victims and survivors are either unserved or underserved. Virtual services may be a way to address this problem and provide immediate services to deaf victims and survivors. Activating change will implement the recommended strategy outlined in the expanding deaf-specific victim services nationwide: a 5-year strategy report. Specifically, activating changewill launch a virtual for deaf, by deaf victim services program; pilot test strategies to expand in-person services; and scale up in-person services.