An Illusion of Inclusion : Charity Workers’ Views on Police Responses to D/deaf Victims of Domestic Abuse

Stonard, Karlie E. and Stone, Christopher and McDaniel, John and Sadlier, Siobhan and Williams, Dionne (2025) An Illusion of Inclusion : Charity Workers’ Views on Police Responses to D/deaf Victims of Domestic Abuse. Journal of Family Violence. ISSN 0885-7482

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Abstract

Purpose D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals are at increased risk of domestic abuse (DA) however they may experience a range of challenges when accessing support or criminal justice services. Method Using semi-structured interviews with nine professionals working in a DA or deaf-specific support service/charity (that also provides DA support), we explored how D/deaf individuals access support for DA, report incidents to the police, and pursue cases through the criminal justice system (CJS). Results We found that D/deaf DA victims often experience detrimental systematic barriers when trying to access DA support, report DA and participate in a criminal investigation due to a lack of appropriate communication methods being offered or reasonable adjustments being made. A lack of D/deaf and DA awareness within policing was highlighted as a recurrent issue, which impacted upon D/deaf DA victims’ willingness to contact police forces, to continue to pursue justice, and to seek help in the future. We found a small number of charities are striving to encourage D/deaf DA victims to contact the police, seek help and pursue cases but are largely unable to overcome structural deficiencies within policing, and the wider CJS and support service sectors. Conclusions There is a lack of official recognition of the gaps between law, policy and practice, which is alienating and excluding D/deaf DA victims. D/deaf communities remember and have lived experiences of poor policing and inadequate treatment. The findings raise important implications for policy and practice, and issues of equality, accessibility, justice and safety.