Intimate Partner Violence Reported by Two Samples of Deaf Adults via a Computerized American Sign Language Survey

Abstract

A computerized sign language survey was administered to two large samples of deaf adults. Six questions regarding intimate partner violence (IPV) were included, querying lifetime and past-year experiences of emotional abuse, physical abuse, and forced sex. Comparison data were available from a telephone survey of local households. Deaf respondents reported high rates of emotional abuse and much higher rates of forced sex than general population respondents. Physical abuse rates were comparable between groups. More men than women in both deaf samples reported past-year physical and sexual abuse. Past-year IPV was associated with higher utilization of hospital emergency services. Implications for IPV research, education, and intervention in the Deaf community are discussed.

A Pilot Study of Deaf Trauma Survivors’ Experiences: Early Traumas Unique to Being Deaf in a Hearing World

“…However, our findings, paired with Schild and Dalenberg’s findings, suggest that Deaf individuals may be particularly vulnerable to experiences of physical assault compared to the general hearing population. Our finding is corroborated by recent literature, which has demonstrated disparate rates of partner-perpetrated physical assault and crime victimization among Deaf individuals (Anderson and Leigh 2011; Harrell 2011; Pollard et al 2014). …”

“…Deaf 1 individuals report trauma at nearly twofold higher rates than hearing individuals, including experiences of child abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and crime victimization (Anderson and Leigh 2011; Francavillo 2009; Harrell 2011; Pollard et al 2014; Sebald 2008). Factors believed to contribute to their increased vulnerability to trauma include, but are not limited to, deprivation of early language development, conflict in the family over education and communication methods, poor/inappropriate parental involvement, low self-esteem, and social isolation (Ridgeway 1993), as well as significant barriers to accessing services in American Sign Language (ASL), which severely limits Deaf individuals’ options for escaping from abusive relationships or other unsafe situations (Nosek et al 2001).…”

Language deprivation syndrome: a possible neurodevelopmental disorder with sociocultural origins

“…A study of 120 oral (speech-only) deaf children suggested that those children with the least developed language abilities had significantly more behavior problems than their hearing peers [68]. Elevated rates of emotional problems and disorders [33] and interpersonal trauma exposure [31,32,34,57] are present, and may have a relationship with language ability [70]. A relationship between language and behavioral health psychopathology appears evident in the deaf population.…”

“…Deaf female undergraduates are two times as likely to experience interpersonal trauma [31]. Additionally, a community sample of 308 deaf individuals found elevated reports of lifetime emotional abuse (27.5%), physical abuse (21.0%), and sexual violence (20.8%) [32]. Deaf adolescents can experience emotional and behavioral mental health problems associated with low self-esteem and peer rejection [33], and a range of developmental adversities unique to being deaf in a hearing world such as lack of accessible communication with parents and peers [34].…”

Psychiatric Care of Deaf Patients in the General Hospital: An Overview

“…Physical abuse as a cause of deafness in adults and children is common and should also be screened for. 28 Against a common laypersons' assumption that Deaf people and others with sensory or cognitive impairments do not abuse substances, substance disorders have significant prevalence among Deaf patients (and specialized treatment settings, though limited, exist). 29 Of special note are the physical and neurologic examinations (assessing for asterixis, ataxia, fetor hepaticus, stigmata of chronic liver failure, papillary constriction vs dilation), substance intoxication, and withdrawal syndromes among Deaf patients.…”