By Isabella Albert, Project Coordinator of Linking Communities
At My Sisters' Place (MSP), we recognize the unique challenges faced by Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened survivors of domestic violence. These barriers often make it more difficult to access services or escape abusive situations. Communication obstacles, confidentiality concerns, and exploitation of vulnerabilities by abusive partners can further isolate survivors and limit their ability to seek support.
Our Collaborative Approach: Linking Communities
Through the Linking Communities initiative, three partner agencies work together to provide accessible and culturally responsive services:
- My Sisters' Place (MSP)
- New York School for the Deaf (NYSD)
- New York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
With support from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), MSP offers services tailored to the specific needs of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened survivors across these key areas:
- Family Services: Counseling, advocacy, and safety planning
- Legal Services: Family and immigration law support
- Residential Services: Emergency shelter and crisis intervention
- Human Trafficking Program: Comprehensive support and intervention
Additionally, MSP partners with NYSD to provide Healthy Relationships workshops to Deaf students, promoting early education on boundaries, communication, and safety.
Navigating Unique Barriers
Isolation
Abusive partners may block access to phones, the internet, or other communication tools, further isolating survivors from their communities and support networks. Without these connections, survivors often feel trapped and uncertain about how to seek help (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.).
Intimidation
Within Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, abusers may use intimidation tactics like exaggerated signing, invading personal space, or aggressively hitting objects nearby to instill fear and assert control (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.).
Shame
Abusers may criticize a survivor’s communication abilities or prevent them from participating in Deaf culture, including limiting their use of ASL. This deepens isolation, eroding confidence and self-esteem (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.).
Manipulation
Abusers may misinterpret or manipulate conversations between survivors and others, such as law enforcement or healthcare providers. This can cause confusion and miscommunication, especially when professionals lack experience with Deaf communication needs (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.).
Financial Abuse
Many survivors rely on disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks. Abusive partners often control these finances, creating significant barriers to independence and leaving abusive situations (The National Domestic Violence Hotline, n.d.).
Addressing Disparities
Research shows that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are 1.5 times more likely to experience domestic or sexual violence compared to hearing individuals. However, these survivors often face additional barriers in reporting abuse and accessing services due to a lack of accessible resources.
At MSP, we actively work to address these disparities through tailored, inclusive services. By collaborating with partners and accommodating diverse communication needs, we ensure that all survivors receive the support they need to achieve safety, healing, and empowerment.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:
My Sisters' Place
- Website: MSP
- 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-298-7233 (SAFE)
- Phone: 914-683-1333
- Text Phone: (914) 600-4208 (Click "Chat Now" or "Text Us" to connect with an advocate)
- MSP Web Chat: Chat Now
Note: Use a safe device to access the chat. A “Quick Escape” button is available to close the chat window and erase the conversation. All conversations are confidential unless there is an intent to harm yourself/others or evidence of child abuse/neglect. Supervisors may assist during conversations if needed.
Web Chat Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Email: info@mspny.org
- Fax: 914-683-1412
Disclaimer
This project is supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-23-GK-00742-DISA, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
Reference
The National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Abuse in Deaf Communities. https://www.thehotline.org/resources/abuse-in-deaf-communities/