Deafness and trauma: A journey to equitable trauma-informed care

Abstract

This chapter explores the unique relationship between Deafness and trauma and emphasises the fundamental need for an equitable and inclusive trauma-informed care for Deaf people in forensic services. It describes the prevalence of trauma in the Deaf population, the trauma experience of many Deaf children and the unique characteristics of trauma experienced in the Deaf population. The chapter also offers key insights into the experience of being Deaf in the Criminal Justice System, highlighting that Deaf individuals are often vastly overrepresented (and often stuck) within it. The chapter explores in detail what is needed to achieve equity in trauma care for Deaf people in forensic services. The chapter aims to promote the importance of a resilience – and a strength – orientated approach to care that produces balance between retribution and rehabilitation, resilience and empowerment in a system that has re-traumatised Deaf people for too long. This chapter emphasises need for equality in research, strategy, delivery, and evaluation.