Learning Engagement: Trauma Informed Legal Advocacy
Need for Trauma Informed Legal Advocacy
Deaf advocates recognize ongoing challenges in navigating the court legal system when serving survivors. These challenges can range from communication barriers to systemic issues within the legal framework. Judges, lawyers, and other court personnel may lack awareness of Deaf culture and the specific needs of Deaf individuals, leading to bias and misjudgment. We recognize that there are differences in state requirements regarding legal advocacy and how courts operate. Legal documents are typically unavailable in formats accessible to Deaf individuals, such as plain language or ASL. This Learning Engagement will offer promising practices and varied perspectives on how to navigate challenges. As advocates, we have access to systems and can provide support that reduces the experience of oppression from the system.
Day one has panelists sharing their invaluable court legal experiences and inspiring success stories. These narratives, rich with lessons and insights, serve as a beacon of hope for the advocates, empowering them to develop effective strategies for their local court systems. The panel provided the audience with a strategy for navigating survivors’ legal situations, fostering collaboration and mutual support. Day two is dedicated to reviewing short pre-recorded interviews and breakout sessions with case scenarios for discussion. We create space for advocates to share feedback and tips on navigating current legal advocacy needs. This Learning Engagement will enhance advocates’ capacity to effectively navigate legal systems, improve resource development, and increase collaborative relationships as they support deaf survivors of violence. The goal is to empower Deaf advocates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to provide comprehensive support to Deaf survivors, ensuring equal access to justice and improved outcomes of safety and healing.
Thank you for investing your time and effort in this learning engagement and discussion. Your participation was instrumental in making it a success. Special thanks to the panel and the legal experts for their insightful contributions.
Learning Engagement Day One
Learning Engagement Day Two
Full Interview with Attorney Susun Kim
Our chats were so engaging and went longer than expected, we were unable to show the entire video during the Learning Engagement. Watch the full interview here.
Full Interview with Judge Million
Our chats were so engaging and went longer than expected, we were unable to show the entire video during the Learning Engagement. Watch the full interview here.
Resources
HEARD Esperanza Dillard: esperanza@heardadvocates.org
NAD - How to Find and Work with a Lawyer
VAWNET Representation and Advocacy Options
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
Offers resources and a directory for finding qualified legal interpreters.
Find an Interpreter: NAJIT Directory
Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
Funds local legal aid organizations that provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals, including Deaf survivors.
American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence
Provides resources and referrals for legal assistance.
Website: American Bar Association
State and Local Resources
State Protection and Advocacy Agencies (P&As): Every state has a P&A agency that provides legal advocacy for individuals with disabilities, including Deaf survivors.
Local Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Centers: Many regions have local centers that provide legal advocacy and support for Deaf individuals.
Cerulli, C., Pollard Jr, R. Q., Thew, D., Mastrocinque, J. M., Raimondi, C., DeWindt, L., ... & Chin, N. (2015). What can we learn? Examining intimate partner violence service provision in the deaf community. Journal of Community Psychology, 43(2), 142-155.
Russell, D., Chovaz, C., Psych, P. D., & Boudreault, P. (2018). ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE: THE EXPERIENCES OF DEAF, DEAFBLIND.