Video aid for deaf victims

Police and the deaf community have joined forces to produce a series of videos to aid understanding of family harm.

Family and sexual violence are significantly under-reported by members of the deaf community and are rarely discussed by members.

Police’s Family Harm Partnerships and Response team was invited by Deaf Aotearoa to work with them to design new family violence and sexual violence sign language resources.

“There is very little information on family and sexual violence in New Zealand Sign Language, which means that the deaf community may not know what the terms mean or what it might look like in their day-to-day lives,” says Inspector Natasha Allan, Manager Family Harm Prevention.

“In New Zealand there are many websites and service providers to assist with learning about family and sexual violence and where to get help - but the majority of these have no accessible options to assist the deaf community.

“These videos are a great resource we can direct community members to, so they know what to do when they need help.”

The webpage includes an introduction and 11 short videos of information on abusive behaviours that can occur within relationships, such as physical, sexual and economic abuse, gaslighting, using children as a tool, isolation or intimidation.

There is also a brief video and information outlining ways a deaf person can contact Police, including use of the deaf text service.

The videos were made with finding support from VisAble, a disabled person-led organisation which works to strengthen capabilities across agencies and sectors to prevent and respond to violence, abuse and neglect affecting disabled people and their whānau.

“We know it is only the beginning of what can be done for the deaf community, especially with respect to the accessibility of helplines - the majority of which are all phone-call based,” says Rachel Hargreaves, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Deaf Aotearoa.

“Hopefully, these NZSL videos will encourage service providers to make their services more accessible for the deaf community. In times of crisis, the deaf community can use Police's text 111 service, which is absolutely critical in emergency situations.”

• This is New Zealand Sign Language Week 2025. Find out more about the week on the NZSL website.