Deaf organisations release information for specialist support as deaf individuals share stories alleging sexual abuse (BSL)

Several deaf organisations have released information signposting deaf people to accessible specialist support services following videos and stories released on social media over the last few days alleging sexual abuse within the deaf community.

BSL video provided by Helen Foulkes:

The deaf charity SignHealth has released links for specialist support, and you can read the page on their website here.

SignVideo have said: “BSL users can call 999 BSL through our app or web (www.999bsl.co.uk) for immediate emergency support, and 101 through the SignVideo app or web (www.signvideo.co.uk)  for non-emergency calls and they’ll be  connected to their local police forces.”

Deaf4Deaf, who offer deaf-led Counselling & Psychotherapy services, have also released a range of links on their social media (link here to go to their Facebook post). We have included links from their Facebook post below:

🔴 In Danger Now?
Call 999 or use the Silent Solution:
Dial 999
When asked, press 55 (you don’t need to speak)

💬 1. The Deaf Health Charity SignHealth– Deaf Domestic Abuse Support
For: Deaf people facing domestic abuse
Text: 07800 003421
Email: da@signhealth.org.uk
Support in BSL and Deaf-aware therapists
Website: www.signhealth.org.uk

💬 2. Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline
For: Women needing help or safety
Live Chat (typing): nationaldahelpline.org.uk
BSL support: SignVideo for Refuge
Email: helpline@refuge.org.uk
Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24/7)

💬 3. Women’s Aid
For: Women affected by abuse
Live Chat (text only): chat.womensaid.org.uk
Email: info@womensaid.org.uk
Info for Deaf clients: womensaid.org.uk/deaf-women
❗ No BSL chat, but Deaf-friendly options are available

💬 4. @Galop (LGBTQ+ Help)
For: LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse or hate
Text: 07594 019983
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Web Chat: galop.org.uk/get-help
❗ BSL not always available – ask if needed

💬 5. NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC
For: Adults abused as children
Email: support@napac.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 801 0331
❗ No BSL, but Deaf clients can use email or ask for an interpreter
Website: napac.org.uk

💬 6. The Survivors Trust Survivors UK
For: Men, trans, non-binary survivors of sexual abuse
Text: Text “Survivors” to 82828
Email: info@survivorsuk.org
Web Chat: survivorsuk.org
❗ No BSL, but they try to support Deaf clients in other ways

💬 7. @RapeCrisis
For: Women and girls affected by rape/abuse
Live Chat (typing): rapecrisis.org.uk/livechat
Email: info@rapecrisis.org.uk
❗ Not BSL-accessible nationally – check your local centre

💬 8. @SHOUT (Crisis Text Line – Mental Health)
For: Anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis
Text: SHOUT to 85258 (Free, 24/7)
✅ Deaf-friendly: text-only support

💬 9. Childline (for under 19s)
Text SHOUT: 85258
BSL video chat: childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
Chat (typing): via website
✅ Deaf-friendly and BSL available