Deaf victims of domestic abuse get tailored support and help

A Cambridgeshire charity is providing specialist support to Deaf victims of domestic abuse thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston and two local authorities.  

The funding enables staff from the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA) to offer initial emotional and practical support and advocacy to local Deaf or hearing-impaired victims and survivors.  

The support is available countywide thanks to a local co-commissioning arrangement led by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.  

Two of the charity’s staff have trained as Independent Domestic Violence Advisers – known as IDVAs – giving them the skills to provide advice, support and information to help survivors navigate the practical and emotional challenges impacting their safety and wellbeing in British Sign Language.  

This trauma-informed support also extends to risk assessments, safety planning, support during police investigations or during the criminal justice process and help accessing healthcare or benefits. The staff also link with the local core IDVA Services and aid survivors to engage with statutory agencies and attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences when needed to support those at the highest risk within the community.  

The team has also developed a British Sign Language version of the 12-week Freedom Programme with colleagues from Women’s Aid.  The nationally recognised programme supports female survivors of domestic abuse to understand patterns of male coercive and controlling behaviour and their impact, enabling them to live safely and free from abuse. 

“Deaf women are more at risk of domestic abuse than hearing women and face additional barriers in disclosing or accessing the right help and support. This prevents many from leaving dangerous or risky relationships because of the extra vulnerability involved,” said Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Deaf Association Andrew Palmer. “The team redesigned the content of the well-known Freedom Programme to be highly visual with role play and prompts for Deaf participants.” 

Deaf participants who completed the Freedom Programme described it as ‘empowering’ with one survivor writing: “The first session was really interesting and now I want to know more. This is a great course, thank you.” 

Another praised the support offered by one of the IDVA-trained staff: “So much stress but with you by my side, it made me feel much better, so thank you so much CDA, for being there for me.” 

Supporting victims and witnesses of crime is a key pillar in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.  

Darryl said: “The needs of local victims of crime are at the heart of everything I do as Commissioner. It is important to me that we deliver inclusive services in the communities in which people live and work. The charity has enabled local survivors to create their own networks and share their personal experiences to prevent others becoming future victims. This local face to face provision is building wider community resilience, leaving people better equipped to protect themselves from entering future unhealthy relationships while providing the equality of services that Deaf victims of domestic abuse deserve.” 

Councillor Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to secure vital funding for deaf victims of domestic abuse, who can otherwise face significant barriers when accessing mainstream services.  

“This work supports the council’s Safe Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Abuse Strategy, helping to ensure specialised support, earlier identification and intervention for survivors, in line with our ambition to enable full, healthy lives for all.”  

Vickie Crompton, Peterborough’s Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Partnership Manager added: “Peterborough City Council is proud to support this important initiative which ensures that Deaf and hearing-impaired victims of domestic abuse can access specialist, tailored support that meets their needs. Too often, barriers to communication prevent victims from seeking help, and this service helps to break down those barriers by providing accessible, trauma-informed services in British Sign Language.  

“By working closely with partners, we are strengthening our commitment to inclusive support and ensuring that all victims in Peterborough can access the help they need to stay safe and rebuild their lives.” 

For more information about this course please contact CDA at: [email protected] or text 07387 266153.