Enhancing Services for Deaf and Disabled Survivors

The purpose of this program is to enhance services to crime victims in linguistically specific communities by breaking down barriers that prevent millions of Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and limited English proficient (LEP) crime victims from accessing services after crime victimization. Organizations funded through this program will deliver victim-centered and trauma informed services to crime victims in linguistically-specific communities and expand the capacity to address the language access and service needs of all crime victims.

Specifically, Peace Over Violence (POV) will provide comprehensive, trauma-informed services to 100 victims of crime who are Deaf or hard of hearing over the 2-year project period. Project activities will be focused within the downtown and Skid Row areas of Los Angeles and in the San Gabriel Valley. Services will include case management, counseling, assistance with applying for compensation from the California Victims of Crime Compensation Board, and accompaniment of victims to appointments with law enforcement, prosecutors, and court. All services will be delivered in American Sign Language for those victims who communicate in that language, and will fill a significant gap in services for Deaf and hard of hearing crime victims. The project will increase access to POV services for deaf and hard of hearing victims of sexual assault, robbery, domestic violence, vehicular assault, caregiver and hospital abuse, aggravated assault, and stalking.

CA/NCF