24 Hour Crisis Line 303-831-7874

Services

Advocacy Program:

DOVE works with Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) people of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced abuse. Abuse includes: domestic violence, family violence, sexual assault, child abuse, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, bullying, stalking, and teen dating violence. 

If you need our advocacy services, DOVE advocates will:

  • give you emotional support
  • pay attention to your feelings, and respect where you are in your journey
  • make sure you feel empowered in your decision-making process
  • review opportunities with you
  • be by your side through processes that you choose to engage with (legal system, medical services, domestic violence shelters, etc.)
  • advocate for communication access

DOVE also operates a hotline, available 24/7 to support the crisis needs of DDBDDHH victims/survivors, their loved ones, and service providers. Our hotline is 303-731-7874 and is a VideoPhone (VP) number; if you are using a VP you will connect directly with one of our advocates. If we do not answer immediately, please leave a message with your name and a safe way for us to reach you. If you are not using a VP, you will automatically connect to a Video Relay Services (VRS) interpreter, who will interpret the call free of charge. You may also reach us via email but please keep in mind the VP number is usually the fastest way to contact DOVE. 

Resiliency Program:

Need more support after experiencing abuse or violence? You’re not alone. We offer regular support group meetings – sometimes facilitated by other survivors, and sometimes online when needed! It’s your opportunity to meet in a private, confidential space with other DDBDDHH survivors to discuss ongoing issues, or to focus on a specific topic/activity for healing. DOVE also offers unique opportunities to access group equine therapy, empowerment self-defense classes, and group retreats when funding / timing permits. 

Community Education & Outreach Program:

Building a safer, more supportive space for DDBDDHH survivors requires community involvement. DOVE offers learning opportunities for community members via educational workshops, informational booths, events, and videos in ASL. We discuss a variety of topics, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, community accountability, technology safety, and how to support loved ones experiencing abuse.

Additionally, According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), almost 1.5 million high school students in the U.S. experience physical abuse in a relationship. 1  Research also shows that 1 in 3 teens who identify as girls in the U.S. experience physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from their dating partners. 2  In an eight-year study of college students at Rochester Institute of Technology, it was shown that Deaf and hard of hearing students are 1.5 times more likely to experience relationship violence in their lifetimes. 3

Preventive education is essential to improve these statistics, and DOVE offers free interactive workshops for middle and high school age youth, as well as training for adults who work with this age group. We cover topics including teen dating violence, bullying, online safety, gender identity, dating rights, and more. Additionally, we provide advocacy, support, and referrals to DDBDDHH youth who may be experiencing or witnessing relationship abuse, bullying, family violence, and/or sexual assault. If your school is interested in engaging with our YAP program, check out our YAP Information & Agreement Form here!

Our outreach efforts are primarily done through ASL, but we make every effort to remain accountable to the diverse accessibility needs of community members. We transcribe and caption all videos, and will provide oral or DeafBlind interpreters when needed for on-site events. 

Technical Assistance & Training Program:

DOVE advocates will respond to requests from partnering service providers for technical assistance to ensure that DDBDDHH victims and survivors receive optimal, culturally-responsive services. When more in-depth dialogue is needed, we offer free training sessions to address working with DDBDDHH victims. As all of our staff identify as members of the DDBDDHH community ourselves, ASL interpreters are always necessary for training sessions. Responsibility for the cost of interpreter(s) will be discussed between DOVE and the requesting agency. If your agency is interested in receiving training from DOVE, please fill out the form below. 

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical Dating Violence Among High School Students—United States, 2003,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 19, 2006, Vol. 55, No. 19.
  2. Davis, Antoinette, MPH. 2008. Interpersonal and Physical Dating Violence among Teens. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency Focus. Available at http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/pubs/2008_focus_teen_dating_violence.pdf
  3. Dube, W. 2010. College Survey Indicates Relationship Violence is Higher in the Deaf Community. RIT News. Available at https://www.rit.edu/news/college-survey-indicates-relationship-violence-higher-deaf-community?id=47432.