New DVD protects deaf from domestic violence

Auckland Deaf Society, Safer Homes in New Zealand Everyday (Shine) and Advanced Interpreting Management Services (AIMS) have launched New Zealand’s first dedicated domestic violence resource for the Deaf community – a DVD.

The DVD, launched last Friday in Auckland, will raise awareness about domestic violence in the Deaf community.

Auckland Deaf Society Manager, Roger Wyrill, says the DVD was an important project for the Deaf community, with accessibility made easier through the NZ Relay Service.

“It can be hard for Deaf people to access help for domestic violence – this DVD raises awareness about this important issue.

This DVD is a great achievement.”

Project Manager, Linda Guirey says that through her work at Shine, an agency dedicated to making homes safer by stopping domestic violence, she was aware that there was a lack of resources for the Deaf community.

“A lot of New Zealanders would have heard about the ‘It’s not ok’ campaign, however, this campaign is not as accessible for the Deaf community.

New Zealand Sign Language is an official language and it is important that the Deaf community have access to information in their own language.”

The DVD will be helpful to the Deaf community, their families and organisations that work closely with Deaf people. It will provide tools to help support victims of domestic violence within the Deaf community.

The DVD was a result of a successful partnership between the Auckland Deaf Society, AIMS, Shine and Stretch Productions with funding from the Ministry of Social Development.

DVDs will be available after the launch from the Auckland Deaf Society - email office@auckland-deaf.org.nz, fax 09 6306934 or via the Shine website, www.2shine.org.nz.

ENDS

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