It is when someone you love, a husband, boyfriend, partner (lesbian/gay/straight), or relative:

• Makes you scared
• Calls you bad names
• Breaks/hides your TTY
• Controls your money
• Doesn't let you visit Deaf friends
• Breaks/hides your hearing aid
• Hits you
• Hits your children
• Kicks you
• Forces you to have sex
• Slaps you
• Shoves/pushes you

Someone forces you to do something sexual and you don't want to. You said "No," and he/she does it anyway.

For example, he/she:

• Touches your breasts
• Makes you touch his penis
• Puts his penis in your mouth, vagina, or anus
• Makes jokes about your body at work
• Touches your penis

It is not your fault.

There are different types of sexual assault:

• Rape
• Acquaintance Rape
• Date Rape

No matter what type of sexual assault, it is against the law.

What if I don't want to leave my relationship?
ADWAS will never tell you to leave your relationship. We will talk to anyone about safety issues, no matter if you are alone or with someone.

What if I was abused a long time ago?
ADWAS can support victims of abuse in many ways, no matter if it was a long time ago, one month ago, happening now, or you want education for the future. An ADWAS Community advocate can discuss the situation with you no matter when it happened, and support you with your decisions.

Who will see me use ADWAS services?
ADWAS services are very flexible. We will meet in any safe place in King County. Sometimes a Deaf person knows a staff member well, and prefers not to get services at the office. Discuss this with your advocate so a plan can be made.

What if I don't live in King, Pierce or Snohomish County?
ADWAS will work to support you if you are planning to move to King, Pierce or Snohomish County to escape violence. ADWAS can help other victim services learn about issues facing a Deaf victim, and can try to refer you to programs in your area that may have a Deaf advocate.

What hours are the advocates available?
We are available by appointment, Mondays through Thursdays. ADWAS Community Advocates may work evenings, Fridays, and weekends as needed in crisis situations.

What about services for Deaf men?
ADWAS serves all Deaf victims. Although 95% of the victims we serve are women, we do serve male victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

What if I am a Deaf parent of a hearing child who is abused?
ADWAS will support you if your child is abused, no matter if the child is Deaf or hearing.