Long-suffering Deaf and hard-of-hearing victims of gender-based-violence (GBV) and other social ills will now be able to receive SA Sign Language-based support. East Randbased Neema foundation will roll out support programme for Deaf GBV victims across the country starting in Ekurhuleni at Gauteng Province tomorrow.
The programme aims to strengthen families by enhancing child development, reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. The initiative is supported by the National Development Agency’s (NDA) which also be capacitating them as part of efforts to deal with social crimes.
Chairperson of the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, Cebisile Ndebele says, “There are many families within the Deaf community that have to contend with violence, rape, neglect and substance abuse.
“Often victims receive little or no help from the authorities simply because they do not know their rights and are unable to overcome the communication barriers. Our aim is to empower them and enhance their access to services,”
This will be in the form of a workshop, to be attended by deaf scholars, Parents of Deaf Children and the broader Deaf community affected by GBV. Ndebele stated that deaf children and youth have unique needs that hearing parents often find difficult to deal with as they reach different stages of their development.
“This type of specialised assistance is long over-due. Over the years, we have been receiving requests for assistance almost daily, from parents, young women including LGBTQI+ persons. We have now decided to formalise the programme and expand it.” said Ndebele.
For more enquiries for Neema Foundation for the Deafcontact Fatima Cele on 071 992 7733 or visit www.foundationneema.org
