The Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities face many daily challenges due to their disability. One of the biggest challenges they face is receiving effective communication from others who are hearing. When domestic violence agencies and the criminal justice system are not equipped with either the equipment or the resources to advocate for this under-served population, it keeps the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Victim from accessing much needed services.

Where Can You get Help?

What if the Local Domestic Violence Program does not have a TTY?

Who Can I Contact to Help Find an Interpreter?

Does the Court Have to Provide an Interpreter for Civil Court Proceedings for Every Victim or Abuser who is Deaf?

What Should I Ask the Domestic Violence Providers to do to Assist Me in Receiving Effective Communication?

What Will a Domestic Violence Advocate from a DV Program Do, and Will the Advocate Understand my Situation?

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If you want to find the closest Domestic Violence Program in your area, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline Number.

The National Hotline provides Victims with the information they need for their safety. Hotline personnel will assist you in finding the domestic violence program closest to your location.

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Call the National Relay Service to assist you in communicating your needs:

1-800-877-8973

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Contact the following Agencies to help you locate an Interpreter.

Local Level:
Independent Living Centers or Centers for Independent Living. These agencies might go by either name and could be listed in the yellow pages under "Social Services."

State Level:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission or Council. Nearly every State has one.

National Level:
Sign Language Associates, Incorporated. If you are unsure who to contact within your City or State, this agency can help locate the nearest Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service for you. The organization is located in the Washington D.C. area and provides Interpreters on a global level.

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The Court should supply a qualified Sign Language Interpreter at civil hearings if a Victim is seeking an Order of Protection, divorce, etc. and the Victim or the Abuser is deaf or hard of hearing.

Click here to read the civil law Hearing Disability Interpreter that states if any deaf person is a party, juror, or witness in any case, a Court must appoint a qualified Interpreter of deaf sign language to interpret the proceedings. The cost for the Interpreter's services should be payable out of the general county funds.

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You should request a Sign Language Interpreter for your face-to-face meetings with individuals in domestic violence agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, and others.

Federal law cited below states that public agencies must supply persons with disabilities a means of "effective communication" to enable them to benefit from the services of that agency.

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act states that places of public accommodation are required to ensure that customers or clients with disabilities affecting hearing, vision, speech, or cognition are provided with effective communication through auxiliary aids and services that enable them to fully benefit from facilities, services, goods, and programs. A place of public accommodation is not required to provide any auxiliary aid or service if doing so would result in an "undue burden" (i.e., significant difficulty or expense).

To get more information about requirements under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act call: 1-800-949-4ADA

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Call your local Domestic Violence Program and tell an Advocate about your situation. Let the Advocate help you determine the best safety plan for you and your children. Depending on the urgency of your situation, a plan can be developed. If you are in extreme danger, the Advocate might suggest you leave the dangerous environment as soon as possible. If your situation is less dangerous, the Advocate might suggest an alternative safety plan.

Although the Domestic Violence Advocate at a Program might not understand what it is like to be Deaf, they will understand domestic violence and its dynamics. Advocates help Victims of domestic violence 24 hours a day. They understand and believe what is happening to you. Advocates also receive special training about domestic violence before they can work with any Victims.

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Go to Under Served Populations sub page

Go to Frequently Asked Questions sub page