Mission Statement

To promote the empowerment of and equality for Ohio’s diverse Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities by offering culturally affirmative advocacy and education, while inspiring community accountability, in response to oppression and relationship and sexual violence.

We are a Deaf-run agency

We have been providing direct advocacy service for 20 years to the Deaf, Deaf Blind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing Communities.

HERSTORY

In the spring of 2000, a group of Deaf Women from Columbus was concerned about the safety of women and their children exposed to violence. An opportunity came along when Abused Deaf Women Advocacy Services (ADWAS), located in Seattle, Washington, received a federal grant provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide a series of training on domestic violence and sexual assault experienced by Deaf Women and their children.

2002

After attending the training in Seattle, Washington, the group of Deaf Women returned to Columbus and formed a working committee that eventually became DWAVE’s Board. The Board developed bylaws and secured non-profit status by February.

2003

DWAVE developed a working partnership with Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) recruiting Deaf volunteers to become Hospital Advocates. After attending SARNCO’s 40-hour hospital advocate training, DWAVE’s volunteers began to work in hospital settings.

2006

DWAVE received its’ first grant money from the Columbus Fountain. The grant allowed DWAVE to hire several community presenters to educate the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Communities about domestic and sexual violence.

2009

Ohio Department of Health and Department of Justice granted DWAVE funds to hire full time staff members. DWAVE was thrilled to hire a program director, prevention coordinator and an office assistant/interpreter.

2017

DWAVE grew and currently employs four full time staff members that are actively involved in providing prevention and intervention of crime and trauma in the Deaf and Hearing Communities.

DEAF WORLD AGAINST VIOLENCE

Learn more about the services we offer

Learn more about the services we offer

Personal Stories

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DEAF WORLD AGAINST VIOLENCE

Schedule a meeting with our advocates

Schedule a meeting with our advocates

Meet our Team

Rose Larson
Rose LarsonExecutive Director
(They/Them)
Sarah Bernholtz
Sarah BernholtzOutreach Advocate
(She/Hers)
Trenna Paxton
Trenna PaxtonOutreach Advocate
 
Denny Stark
Denny StarkTrauma-Informed Communication Advocate
(She/Hers)

Meet our Board

Linda Adams
Linda AdamsBoard President
(She/Hers)
Linda is a Southern Ohio gal at heart. Born and raised in Piketon, Ohio however she spent most of her time at the Ohio School for the Deaf also known as her second home. Growing up in a hearing family who knew minimal American Sign Language, Linda vowed to give back to the community especially the Deaf community. Linda became a very active advocate for Northwest Ohio. The past thirty years, Linda has been an ASL instructor, Deaf mentor, domestic violence survivor advocate and involved with Deaf organizations. In those Deaf organizations, she often serves as an executive board member. Not only that, Linda also worked alongside Governor DeWine to better serve our Deaf community needs. As you can see, the Deaf community is cherished in her heart. Linda currently resides in Clyde, Ohio with her longtime sweetheart of 39 years and beloved dog. Linda enjoys spending time with her family, grandchildren, antique shopping, dining out and interior design in her home.
DeAnna Swope
DeAnna Swope
(She/Hers)
DeAnna Swope is a community advocate at heart and has been involved in different fields. She is currently the president on DWAVE board. She is on several boards and is currently an interpreter mentor for NAOBI-Atlanta. She is currently working as a program director of BRIDGES, a Deaf-led domestic violence program in GA. DeAnna has obtained BA in social and criminal justice and MA in public administration. She is a happily married mother of 5 children.
Michelle Campbell
Michelle Campbell
(She/Hers)