Transitional Housing and Support for Deaf & Deaf-Blind Victims of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Over 50% of all women experience domestic violence
Domestic violence and sexual assault occur more often than most of us realize. It can happen to anyone — children, the elderly, and individuals from all backgrounds and income levels. The majority of victims are women abused by men, but women also abuse women, men abuse men and women abuse men.
Did you know?
Deaf women are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault at the same rate as hearing women. Because there is no housing available, many Deaf women return to their abusive situation.
No transitional housing exists in our country for Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Hearing based domestic violence housing often creates isolation and danger for Deaf and Deaf-Blind women seeking shelter where staff are not able to communicate with the victim and there is no adaptive equipment needed by Deaf and Deaf-Blind women to use the telephones, or to tell if someone is at the door.
Without fully accessible housing alternatives, Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims must decide between homelessness or living at home with their abuser.
Nation's first transitional housing for Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims of domestic violence is planned for Seattle
For the first time in our country, safe and supportive housing is planned where Deaf and Deaf-Blind women and children can heal and be safe. Built by the Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS), the facility will provide:
- Access to people who understand Deaf victims and how to help
- Our program staff is fluent in American Sign Language and educated in domestic violence and sexual assault. We understand that the Deaf community is small and that victims must learn how to survive safely within the community and its support system. There is no place to hide. Safe and secure housing for Deaf and Deaf-Blind individuals
What we are building
- 19 apartments will be created where victims can live for up to 24 months.
- Adaptive equipment will be available including: TTY's for telephone access; flashing lights to warn of fire, a knock at the door, or a ringing telephone; vibrating clocks; alarms that indicate a baby is crying; captioned televisions; and Braille signage.
- A positive and culturally supportive environment to rebuild lives
- ADWAS' support programs and offices will move onsite to offer independent living skills, job services, family support, therapy, and advocacy.
- A unique architectural 'open space' design allows Deaf residents clear sightlines for signed communication.
- A secure playground for children and adequate community spaces will provide women and children an opportunity to gather, give encouragement to each other, and learn to support one another.
Uniquely positioned to create "A Place of Our Own"
The Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services was founded in 1986 after a group of five Deaf women, hearing women and parents of Deaf children, lead by Marilyn J. Smith, recognized the need for services for Deaf and Deaf-Blind women. Until 1999, ADWAS was the only domestic violence and sexual assault organization for Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims in the United States. In partnership with the Department of Justice, ADWAS has replicated its model in 15 cities.
Working together to eliminate violence from our society
Since its founding, ADWAS staff and volunteers have provided services to over 1,000 Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims and education and training to over 22,000 people. Today, ADWAS is recognized as the national model program by Deaf leaders; hearing domestic violence and sexual assault agencies; local, national and state coalitions; and the US Department of Justice.
Supporting the cultural perspective of Deafness
Staff and volunteers present a positive perspective on Deafness and Deaf Culture. ADWAS does not accept the medical model of deafness as a disability that needs to be fixed. Rather, our work recognizes that Deaf and Deaf-Blind people constitute a distinct cultural minority with a visual language known as American Sign Language.
Providing services using an empowerment model
Our programs offer information and support that allow victims/survivors to understand their options, take control of their lives and make decisions affecting them.
Carol Brown, staff at ADWAS, is the Capital Campaign Coordinator. Karen Bosley is the Project Manager which includes securing private grants. Common Ground is assisting with housing issues and public funding. Bateman Consulting LLC is assisting as Capital Campaign Counsel in the creation of private fundraising strategies and volunteer development.
A priority housing plan has also been established to ensure that the facility will be full at all times. This priority plan includes a partnership with New Beginnings for Battered Women and Their Children to use up to five units of housing for up to five years as ADWAS grows into its space.
The facility is being designed by Mithun Architects.
Total square footage: 32,256
Total working budget: $8.6 million
Preferred timeline: Groundbreaking Summer 2005
Our Board of Directors and staff are composed of Deaf individuals and hearing people fluent in American Sign Language. We recognize that our success relies on the generous advice and support of our greater community. We are interested in strengthening our mutual understanding between the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities and our business and civic leaders.
We can't do this alone.
We work with interpreters in our meetings or when conducting telephone conversations with the hearing population. We take a few minutes in every meeting to discuss how to work with interpreters and communicate effectively as a group. Thanks to technology, a variety of other easy communication options are now possible including e-mail, instant messaging, and a free telephone relay service. Should you have questions or require additional information, please contact us. It's easy. And, if you have any problems, let us know so that we may improve our dialogue.
I'd like some more information. Who do I contact?
Carol Brown, Capital Campaign Coordinator at 206-726-0093 TTY only or carol@adwas.org
To see the campaign brochure click here.
This sounds great! How can I help?
You can start by going to Giving under Opportunities!
To see a pledge card click here.
