SignHealth calls on police to take ‘immediate actions’ to improve accessibility for deaf victims and survivors of violence (BSL)

SignHealth has called on the police to take “immediate actions” to improve accessibility, after a report claimed the criminal justice system is “failing” Deaf and hard of hearing women who are survivors or victims of violence.

The Deaf health charity is a member of the sector’s Communications Barriers Working Group, which late last month published its Listen to Us! report.

The publication explored the communication barriers facing victims and survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG) from marginalised communities.

A total of 50 case studies were collected from 19 specialist organisations, with just over half (52%) of respondents saying they have experienced an instance where the police have failed to communicate adequately. 44% said they had a prior negative experience where they were subjected to discrimination, racism, ableism or xenophobia by officers.

These issues mean 78% of victims/survivors reported feeling powerless, while 64% said they had experienced anxiety.

Marie Vickers, head of SignHealth’s domestic abuse services, commented: “It is still a major struggle for deaf and disabled people to have their communication needs met appropriately which is continuing to cause more harm to victims and survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse.

“We hope that this report goes some way to highlighting this and we encourage police and other public organisations to listen to us and to take immediate actions improve accessibility and outcomes for deaf and disabled victims/survivors.”

In a case study provided by SignHealth and cited in the report, a Deaf woman required police assistance but wished for the disclosure to be made outside of her home without the involvement of her family.

“The police officer asked if they could go into the car as they were cold. In the car, they proceeded to take a statement from the BSL [British Sign Language] user with a pen, paper and gestures.

“The client was left exceptionally vulnerable in this scenario, unable to express herself and exposed to further distress as a consequence of not being able to communicate at an appropriate level,” it reads.

The report goes on to add that this circumstance “can be avoided” by having the conversation at a police station with an interpreter booked to facilitate a disclosure which can be made “articulately, fairly and in a safe environment”.

15 out of 50 case studies (30%) said they had had a request for reasonable adjustments ignored or refused, while more than a third of respondents (34%) said their request for a translator or interpreter was refused or ignored.

Elsewhere, 16% of case studies reported a lack of awareness when it came to deaf and hard of hearing people.

One anonymous individual’s account, provided by the Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS), said there were times where women who had been abused were “given male interpreters”.

Isabel Ros López, membership manager at the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) – another organisation which is a member of the Communication Barriers Working Group – said the police and public bodies “need to do much more” to fulfil their legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.

“Specialist services led by and for Black, minoritized, migrant, Deaf or disabled women are best placed to provide the tailored support women need.

“However, these services are chronically underfunded and facing increasing demand as well as soaring running costs during the cost of living crisis,” she said.

Ms López also called on organisations to “listen to us” and “ensure access to safety, adequate services and justice for all women”.

The report’s recommendations include a guarantee from police forces and the criminal justice system to use BSL; criminal justice agencies ensuring all resources are available in community languages; and the Victims and Prisoners Bill currently going through Parliament includes a legal duty around a victim’s right to communication support.

It also calls on national strategies for tackling VAWG to make addressing communication barriers faced by victims and survivors “a priority”.

The full report is available to read on EVAW’s website, with a summary video in British Sign Language currently in development.

Photo: Communication Barriers Working Group.

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Note: If you are in an abusive relationship or think you might be, advice and support is available. Contact SignHealth’s Domestic Abuse Team by texting 07800 003421 or emailing da@signhealth.org.uk.

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By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.