Supporting Deaf Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Research has shown that Deaf children experience abuse and neglect at rates 1.5-3 times higher than hearing children. Compounding this problem, Deaf children experience an array of communication and cultural barriers when getting support from victim services, medical providers, and the criminal justice system. In this training, participants will learn about Deaf culture and communities in the United States and the implications for providing effective services and supports to Deaf survivors. Presenters will share research on the sexual abuse of Deaf children and discuss the many challenges these children face when getting support. Practical skills and resources will be shared to address these barriers and provide services that are culturally and linguistically specific. 

Presented by: Jessalyn Akerman Frank, an experienced certified deaf and legal advocate

Nancy Smith, Director of the Center on Victimization and Safety at the Vera Institute of Justice

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this webinar are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

CE Credits are no longer available for this recorded online event. A certificate of attendance can be obtained by following the instructions listed in the Webinar FAQs below.

Webinar FAQs

Are CE credits offered?

CE Credits are no longer available for this recorded online event; however, a certificate of attendance can be obtained.

How is the certificate of attendance obtained?

Simply register to watch this video through the FREE form below, watch the video on the next page, and then complete the follow-up evaluation. Please DO NOT share a the direct link of the video. We need to track who watches the video due to our grant funding requirements.

How long is the video?

This video is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

I’m having technical trouble, where can I find help?

Contact us at safeta@forensicnurses.org. We’d be happy to help!

Register using the form below and get started on this online course today!

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address

Discipline *Enter DisciplineAPSAttorneys/Law studentsBatter Intervention Program StaffCampus judicial/disciplinary board membersChild welfare/protectionchild advocatescommunity advocacy org (NAACP, AARP_Corrections (probation, parole and corrections)Court Personnel (judges, clerks)Culturally specific Community programsDisability/deafDV Program staffEducatorsDual sexual assault and domestic violence program staff (and boards)Elder organization staff (non-governmental)Faith-based organization staffGovernment agency staff (vocational rehabilitation, DHS)Health Professionals (excluding Forensic Examiners)Transitional housing staffImmigrant orgInterpretersLaw enforcement (including campus)Mental HealthMultidisciplinary groupPersonal care attendantsProsecutorsSexual Assault Forensic ExaminersSexual Assault Program staff and boardsSocial Service OrganizationSpiritual LeadersState, tribal SA coalitions/and or DV coalitionsSubstance Abuse providersSupervised visitation and exchange center staffTransportaion staffTribal community groupsTribaL COUNCILTribal eldersTribal govt/staffUniversity student affairs staffVictim witness specialistsVolunteersOther National TA ProvidersOther

If you chose 'other', please define:

This form will redirect you to another page once submitted.Submit