I am deaf….

Deaf women have signed that it can be difficult to:

  • Report an offender who is also deaf as this feels like betraying the community. Remember he has committed a serious crime.
  • Deal with fears that people in the Deaf community may gossip. Remember you have not done anything wrong.
  • Sign about the abuse [and see the interpreter signing about the abuse]. Some Deaf women solve this by using finger spelling [and asking the interpreter to do so too].
  • Communicate with Hearing police and medical workers who may assume the Deaf woman is drunk or in shock because she communicates in a different way. Remember you have the right to both a support person and an interpreter [female, if you wish].

    • You can contact:

    CRCC TTY (02) 6287 4308 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

    National Relay Service 13 2544

    TTY (Sydney) Freecall 1800 652 167