FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patti Singleton
512.223.6262 VRS/V
[email protected]
DEAF ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN ADVOCACY SERVICES CLOSES DOORS
DEAF COMMUNITY LOSES PREMIER ADVOCATES
AUSTIN, TX – The Deaf Abused Women and Children Advocacy Services (DAWCAS) has made the very difficult decision to close its doors after 9 years of service. As advocates to the Deaf community around the issues of sexual abuse and domestic violence, DAWCAS provided victim services to people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind, and Late Deafened since 1998. DAWCAS was the second such agency in the nation to provide these unique services, and has been recognized as the only such organization in Texas to work directly with the Deaf victims in the community via the highly trained Deaf staff of DAWCAS.
Due to decreased funding over during the last years, the DAWCAS Board of Directors determined that our level of victim services would be greatly compromised if we continued operations because of the loss of this funding, and it would be unfair to the Deaf community that depends upon us. DAWCAS services included crisis intervention, referral and assistance for emergency shelter, legal and medical advocacy and community resource referrals for Deaf victims. In addition, DAWCAS provided ongoing training and technical assistance for professionals in the legal, medical, and law enforcement areas and domestic violence agencies in various parts of Texas.
DAWCAS wishes to thank the many individuals and agencies, including SafePlace, that have provided support over the years, and recognizes the Staff and Board members for their contributions in promoting exemplary services for Deaf abuse victims. Unfortunately, with the closing of DAWCAS, there will be a large gap in equal access to services for members of the Deaf community as they seek safety and healing from interpersonal violence. Therefore, DAWCAS calls upon the community to step forward and assist in stopping domestic violence and sexual abuse and support those organizations that are working toward the same goals.