This Special Collection offers information regarding the experiences and needs of individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and have experienced abuse. The purpose of this collection is to: 1) increase victim advocates' knowledge and understanding of Deaf culture, 2) provide resources to assist helping professionals in direct service work with Deaf individuals, and 3) highlight best practices for addressing domestic and sexual violence in the Deaf community.
Special thanks to Gretchen Waech, former executive director of Deaf Iowans Against Abuse and the Justice for Deaf Victims National Coalition, and Cathy Hoog from Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services for their thoughtful contributions to this collection.