ABUSED DEAF WOMEN'S ADVOCACY SERVICES

SEATTLE, Washington, 98115 United States

Mission Statement

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services empowers Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment to transform their lives, while striving to change the beliefs and behaviors that foster and perpetuate violence. We provide comprehensive services to individuals and families, community education, and advocacy on systems and policy issues.

About This Cause

Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS), is the only nonprofit organization in the Pacific Northwest that provides 100% fully accessible supportive housing with on-site support services for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ADWAS provides comprehensive services to individuals and families, community education, and advocates for policy change to reduce systemic inequality. ADWAS was founded by Marilyn J. Smith, a survivor of sexual assault, in 1986 after a Deaf community member was killed by their partner after returning to him because of the barriers she faced as a Deaf woman in accessing support services. This shocked the Deaf community and led Marilyn to establish ADWAS. Started in her home basement, ADWAS has since grown to support Deaf and DeafBlind survivors through comprehensive services. Deaf and DeafBlind survivors have challenges getting the support they need because of cultural and linguistic barriers in the criminal justice and medical systems, public resources, other nonprofit organizations, employment, and housing services. Lack of experience by service providers often leads to inadequate services or no services at all. ADWAS fills that gap with ongoing provider training. ADWAS staff are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and excels at preparing Deaf survivors on how to survive and thrive within the existing Deaf support system, empowering them to break the cycle of violence within their families. ADWAS also incorporates understanding the history of oppression and violence by maintaining ongoing dialogues from social justice and transformative justice viewpoints. ADWAS' comprehensive services include advocacy, children's program, counseling, prevention and outreach, supportive housing, and the National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline. Here’s a glimpse into what was accomplished in 2021! Children’s Program: In 2021, amid COVID, ADWAS continued to safely support children in their educational settings by providing school supplies, meals, and homework assistance. The children’s program also organized engaging and educational events such as acting classes and learning how to snowboard that empowered children through creativity and play. Family Events: Meals and supplies were organized for families and fulfilled through the work of ADWAS staff and volunteers along with the partnership of other organizations, such as the Hotes Foundation. Healing for Survivors: ADWAS provided a sexual assault support group virtually. ADWAS was able to create a space that promoted healing for survivors. Community Events: 2021 was a special year for ADWAS because they celebrated their 35th year of service! ADWAS received tremendous support and advocacy from the community. ADWAS hosted the following events: Virtual Meet and Greet, 35 Day Birthday Fundraiser with Daily Trivia, GiveBig, Community Appreciation Day, and the 35th Annual Virtual Gala Fundraiser. ____________________________________________________________________________ Your support will help fund ADWAS’ comprehensive services, accessible housing, facilities, community education, and upcoming events in 2022!

ABUSED DEAF WOMEN'S ADVOCACY SERVICES
8623 Roosevelt Way Ne
SEATTLE, Washington 98115
United States
Phone 206-922-7088
Twitter @ADWAS1986
Unique Identifier 911339173