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The Deaf community exists subtly. They don’t look or act differently, but they do communicate with a completely different language than most hearing Americans are used to. American Sign Language (ASL) was developed in the 1800’s and has made many strides in allowing the Deaf to communicate. It is recognized as a complete language used by hundreds of thousands of people in the United States. This language has opened so many doors for the Deaf, but too many remain closed because of the lack of accessibility in the hearing world. 

Intro:  No matter one’s country, ethnicity, race, class, gender identity, ability, health, socio-economic status, religion, or education level, domestic violence affects everyone. Yet, as we explore the issue of activists living in the midst of the very injustices they work against, it’s important to remember the cultural components that surround the work. Domestic violence doesn’t just happen to individuals…it occurs across and within communities.

How can bias and discrimination impact survivors with developmental disabilities (DD) within the LGBTQIA+ community?

Survivors with DD within the LGBTQIA+ community often experience bias and discrimination which impacts their access to services. Too often, people do not understand or personally know individuals with disabilities or who are LGBTQIA+.

Below are some of the ways bias and discrimination plays a role in this issue or impacts survivors of sexual violence:

In 2004, Marsheida Dorsey-Carn was murdered by her 18-year-old boyfriend. After serving almost 12 years in prison, that same man murdered a second victim, LaPorscha Baldwin, in a fatal act of domestic violence.

“I would have rather been punished for asserting myself than become another victim of hatred” - CeCe McDonald

I’m writing this at the time when the “New Year, New Me” wind is starting to circulate. The shame of “holiday eating”, the sugar demon, and jokes about elastic waists begin to build their momentum for the year. There will be sign up for bootcamps, restrictive diets, detoxes, and teas that make you sprint to the bathroom. And by the time you read this, you’ll be hearing whispers about a “beach body” or getting “bikini ready”, like it is somehow necessary to prepare to face our biggest nemesis, a body of water.

The  average messaging of most anti-violence organizations include some variation on the following: “If you are in immediate danger, call 911.”  Embedded in directing a victim of violence to call 911 is a key assumption—that law enforcement will make that person safer.  But the headlines regularly feature stories of law enforcement officers accused of abuse: of thei

Overview:

Toolkit Libraries

Issues -  FrameWorks Institute

Since 1999, FrameWorks has studied how people think and talk about numerous social issues – and how communications can spark change. They host a library of toolkits on 18 different justice topics. 

 

Explore the Toolkit Library- Racial Equity 

Support Survivors around the country for #SAAM2023

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)! This year’s theme is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” The campaign calls on all individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves and the systems surrounding us to build racial equity and respect.