Sojourner House will improve and expand the availability of accessible victim-centered, trauma-informed services for crime victims in RI who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Sojourner House proposes to increase the availability of accessible victim-centered, trauma-informed services for Deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals in Rhode Island who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Sojourner House will partner with Tri-County Community Action Programs (subrecipient) to 1) deliver culturally relevant direct services to Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing victims of intimate partner violence; 2) develop and implement disability and language access plans to address the needs of victims of intimate partner violence who are Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing; 3) work with the TTA provider to train staff and community partners on best practices to serve these victims; and 4) conduct data collection and evaluation activities to measure grant performance and generate internal improvements in the delivery of direct services. The direct services provided will include: crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, access to shelter and housing programs if available, assistance with obtaining benefits (including Social Security benefits, victim compensation funds, food stamps, etc), sexual health advocacy, support groups, and services for the children of Deaf and hard of hearing clients. The intended outcomes include: strong referral networks and collaborations between community-based organizations, law enforcement, and other public agencies for the purpose of improving the community response to victims of intimate partner violence who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing. The program will serve the entire state of Rhode Island.