It is estimated that one in every 4 women is beaten and one in every 5 women is sexually assaulted in her lifetime. For the deaf and hard of hearing, that ratio is even higher. Isolation and systems that can’t communicate or don’t understand the culture of the deaf communities make getting help even more difficult.
Mary Elizabeth was held captive by her abuser for months. She couldn’t scream for help and had no means of communication. Her life line (her cell phone) was taken away, and she was systematically beaten and abused. Because she had already alienated her friends and family, none of them were in regular touch and no one was looking for her. When she finally broke free in a state of panic and found her way to the police department, she couldn’t communicate. She waited long hours for law enforcement to locate a signing interpreter. Isolated, alone and petrified, she waited.
This is NOT how it should be. Womanspace has begun a Deaf Advocacy Project that trains deaf volunteers to respond to victims immediately. We are working in partnership with the NJ Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the NJ Coalition for Battered Women and the NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Everyone is volunteering time to make this project become a reality. The NJ Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing has been a wonderful support in providing American Sign Language interpreters, but the ability to continue this is limited. Other associated costs for 80 hours of training, ongoing supervision, travel expenses and amenitites like food and clothing are unmet needs.
Newly trained deaf advocates will have the ability to accompany the deaf victim to the police station, court, hospital or wherever the victim needs support to help her/him feel safe. We want to ensure no one should be alone during such a traumatic time.
This project is being piloted in Mercer County, New Jersey, but will be available throughout the state within two years. We need your help to make this a reality. Please help us in providing this critical support that is life-sustaining, life-saving and life supporting for deaf and hard-of-hearing victims.
Try to imagine your life without a voice…and then dig deep to help us provide a voice for the hundreds of victims who can benefit from your generosity.
