In the spring of 2000...some Deaf women from Columbus participated in a series of training on domestic violence and sexual assault experienced by Deaf women and their children. The training was sponsored by an organization called the Abused Deaf Women Advocacy Services (ADWAS) located in Seattle, Washington. The training was funded by a federal grant provided by the US Department of Justice. The goal of the grant it is to train Deaf women and their children who experience abuse. To date, a total of 16 states have received training. Following the training, the Deaf women of Columbus formed a working committee that eventual became DWAVE Board. The group worked on bylaws and secured a non-profit status in February 2002. Presently, we are seeking grants to start up a 24-hour crisis service for Deaf victims in Columbus.

ADWAS was founded in 1986. Some states that underwent the training have successfully implemented agencies providing direct services for victims experiencing abuse. We strive to follow their leadership.

DWAVE board members underwent a four-day training provided by Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) to become volunteers of crisis services offered at Riverside Hospital. Effective July 1, 2003, DWAVE is working collaboratively with SARNCO to provide advocacy services to Deaf victims who are admitted to the hospital for sexual assault.

Presently, SARNCO/DWAVE are recruiting more volunteers who are fluent in sign language and Deaf culture to work with Deaf survivors.

The ultimate goal of DWAVE is to operate a full-fledged agency run by Deaf women for Deaf women and their children. We aim to follow the ADWAS program model.

Goals:

• Work with SARNCO to provide services for Deaf victims of sexual assault

• Establish a 24-hour crisis service for Deaf victims through text message pager system

• Hire a program director and a volunteer advocate coordinator

• Recruit volunteers to operated the crisis service

• Provide training to volunteers on sexual assault/domestic violence

• Implement a support group for victims

• Provide parenting classes

• Conduct advocacy services for victims in courts

• Assist victims with basic care for safety

• Increase community awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault among Deaf community

• Educated the Deaf community about the impact of domestic violence and sexual assault

• Recruit volunteers to provide safe home for victims

Accomplishments from past to present:

• Established DWAVE board

• Raised over $7000 to date in independent fundraising

• Hosted educational workshops for women

• Secured 501(c)3 non-profit status

• Attended training hosted by SARNCO

• Collaborated with SARNCO to provide services to Deaf women of sexual assault at Columbus area hospitals

• Participated in Columbus Foundation and Women’s Fund of Central Ohio grant information workshops

• Obtained grant from Columbus Foundation

• Met with Director of Ohio Attorney General’s Crime Victims Assistance

• Provided workshops to youth on domestic violence and sexual assault

• Trained and contracted with 10 Community Trainers to provide workshops to the Deaf and hearing audiences about domestic violence, sexual assault, and their impact on the Deaf community.