DEAF VICTIMS SURVIVORS SARI WILLIAMS NORTHERN UTAH RURAL

DEAF VICTIMS & SURVIVORS SARI WILLIAMS, NORTHERN UTAH RURAL ADVOCATE COORDINATOR STEPHANIE MATHIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND THERAPIST SEGO LILY CENTER FOR THE ABUSED DEAF

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” There ain’t no mountain high enough Ain’t no valley low enough Ain’t no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you… If you need me, call me. No matter where you are… No matter how far… Nickolas Ashford; Valerie Simpson “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated”

STATISTICS IN UTAH According to the 2010 U. S. Census • There approximately 334, 000 people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes all ages, gender and levels of hearing loss. • Of this it is estimated that about 5, 000 are Culturally Deaf. Individuals who identify themselves as belonging to a group that has a common language (American Sign Language); norms and customs. • This is the most underserved or not served when seeking domestic violence and sexual assault services.

SEGO LILY’S OVW RURAL GRANT PROGRAM 2007 2018 • Positions • Goals/Objectives • Service Areas: Counties • Offices

SLCAD SERVICES Direct Services Training Education Medical/Legal advocacy Partnership and service coordination with agencies Teach the Deaf Community about Abuse & relationships Police Reports and Protective Orders Shelter Training on accessible services: ADA kits, checklist, etc Teen Programs Counseling Support Groups (women, teen, LGBTQ, Men) Hotline (24/7) Companionship in shelters Case Management Services (housing, employment, finances, etc) Law Enforcement Training: How to communicate with victims Interpreter Training: Teaching interpreters how to effectively interpret in violent situations Lawyers/Judges training: achieving collective legal advocacy Sexual Assault Advocacy Trainings Booths at community and school events University/College presentations Continuing Education (monthly workshops) Promote Awareness through Website & Social Media

DEAF COMMUNITY IN RURAL AREAS • Educational background • Linguistic background • Religious background • Access or exposure to technology & transportation

ISSUES DEAF/HH RURAL SURVIVORS • FACED Video Phone, where & how without • Educational system failing to believe internet? (not have access to phones) (sw) victim (sm) • Calling 9 -1 -1 (sw) • Safety planning vs rural road ordinances (sw) • Congregation’s response to violence (sm) • Therapists for Deaf (ASL/or with interpreter, tele-therapy) (sm) • Housing (sw) • Rural court (sm) • Special needs (intellectual disability • Service providers’ struggle (sw) & other disabilities) (sw)

THERE IS MUCH TO DO! • How can you help within your rural community? • Rural States, Counties and Cities • Deaf Association • Schools of the Deaf • Division/Commission of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing • Legislature