As with so many questions you are probably asking right now, The answers are going to be different for everyone. When I was being abused, it seemed like I was spending hours deleting unhelpful sites from my search history. But there are a few places I found that might be of use to you, and it is my honor to pass on this information.
The Hotline (https://www.thehotline.org/)
While it is mostly geared toward domestic violence between intimate partners, this site has some invaluable information identifying abuse, healing emotionally, and tips for getting out. A lot of it will not apply to your situation, just like it didn’t apply to mine, But this site is full of useful information and has one feature that I think could be a lifesaver: the chat hotline.
You don’t have to talk, you don’t have to use a phone. If you can type or otherwise input text on your computer or smart phone, you can talk to a live person who will help you. When I talked to someone, they came right out and said that they were not the best place to help me, since I was being abused by my mother and I am disabled, but they offered to find me another place to turn, and they confirmed what I was already thinking: that I should not tell my mother I was leaving, because when you leave is the time most abusers become physical.
But they listened to me, and they offered comforting words, but here is why I call it a life saver: the operators are mandated reporters. This means if you are a vulnerable person (elderly, disabled, a minor) and you give them personal details like your name or address, they are required to get you help. As I have talked about in other parts of the site, your best bet is to have a plan in place and follow that plan to escape. But life doesn’t like plans, and sometimes abuse escalates. If you are ever in danger and can’t call anyone else for help, and aren’t sure that anyone will get your emails in time, The Hotline is always open.
And they have video phone and TTY services designed specifically for Deaf people: https://www.thehotline.org/help/deaf-services/
National Adult Protective Services Association (https://www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/)
A national resource dedicated to protecting seniors and other vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. I don’t have any first-hand experience working with them, but they have local offices in every state, and their website includes information and resources.
The Arc (https://www.thearc.org/)
The Arc is a resource for individuals and families of individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been working with my case manager, formally known as a Medicaid service coordinator, for several years and she is the one who helped me get out.
I don’t know if they would be able to help people who are not already enrolled in their programs, but their local chapters should be able to direct you to someone who can.
Domestic Shelters (https://www.domesticshelters.org/)
This site has an awesome database of shelters. Just tell them your location, and they will provide a list of nearby shelters. I call it awesome because, when you click on a shelter and scroll down, It tells you (Among other things) if the shelter is wheelchair accessible or not. Now, that doesn’t mean they are able to accommodate all disabilities, but it is more than any other site I have come across.
They also have a lot of Helpful articles and information about abuse, escape, and the aftermath. Not all of it applied to my situation, but it was still helpful for me to read.
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (http://www.adwas.org/information/domesticviolence/)
I don’t have any personal experience with this advocacy group, but they are dedicated to supporting Deaf and Deafblind Survivors of abuse and harassment. They have accessible hotlines.
Disabled Survivors Unite (https://disabledsurvivorsunite.org.uk/)
A UK-based Organization dedicated to helping disabled survivors access the same services as their abled counterparts.
And they have video phone and TTY services designed specifically for Deaf people: https://www.thehotline.org/help/deaf-services/
National Adult Protective Services Association (https://www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/)
A national resource dedicated to protecting seniors and other vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. I don’t have any first-hand experience working with them, but they have local offices in every state, and their website includes information and resources.
The Arc (https://www.thearc.org/)
The Arc is a resource for individuals and families of individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been working with my case manager, formally known as a Medicaid service coordinator, for several years and she is the one who helped me get out.
I don’t know if they would be able to help people who are not already enrolled in their programs, but their local chapters should be able to direct you to someone who can.
Domestic Shelters (https://www.domesticshelters.org/)
This site has an awesome database of shelters. Just tell them your location, and they will provide a list of nearby shelters. I call it awesome because, when you click on a shelter and scroll down, It tells you (Among other things) if the shelter is wheelchair accessible or not. Now, that doesn’t mean they are able to accommodate all disabilities, but it is more than any other site I have come across.
They also have a lot of Helpful articles and information about abuse, escape, and the aftermath. Not all of it applied to my situation, but it was still helpful for me to read.
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (http://www.adwas.org/information/domesticviolence/)
I don’t have any personal experience with this advocacy group, but they are dedicated to supporting Deaf and Deafblind Survivors of abuse and harassment. They have accessible hotlines.
Disabled Survivors Unite (https://disabledsurvivorsunite.org.uk/)
A UK-based Organization dedicated to helping disabled survivors access the same services as their abled counterparts.
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