Deaf Abuse Advice
SignHealth is excited to launch our new helpline live chat in British Sign Language, called “Deaf Abuse Advice”. You can see it on the bottom right corner of this screen.
Previously, people could contact our Domestic Abuse Service by text or email, but now we’re introducing direct access in BSL, making it even easier for you to get support.
It’s open to anyone, no matter how you prefer to communicate.
If you’d rather type and not show your face, that’s absolutely fine. We want you to feel comfortable and in control of how you reach out.
How to find the helpline and use it?
Let’s take a quick look at how it works and how to find it. It’s easy, quick, and confidential.
Step 1: Go to the SignHealth website (our homepage).
Step 2: Click on a Domestic Abuse page.
Step 3: You’ll see an icon in the bottom right – click on it.
Step 4: Before you start chatting, you’ll see a quick consent box.
Just tick to agree, this means we can keep your information private and safe.
Step 5: Then click to start chatting in BSL with a trained advisor.
More information about the helpline
Our ‘Deaf Abuse Advice’ Live Chat is for anyone experiencing domestic or sexual abuse, including deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, women, men, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ethnicities, aged 16 and over.
Deaf Abuse Advice is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
If you message us outside these hours, you can leave a message, and our staff will get back to you once we’re open again.
Our live chat is safe, private, and here for you.
You are not alone.
Helpline FAQs
This helpline is for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.
We accept contacts from anyone aged 16 or over, living in England or Wales, regardless of gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. We also welcome LGBTQIA+ callers.
Those who live in Wales will be able to call us for advice and signposting, but we cannot offer direct case support from SignHealth.
We will first check that you are safe. Then we will ask questions to understand how we can best support you, signpost you, or offer advice.
Everything is done at your pace, and you can end the chat at any time if it becomes unsafe or too distressing. You are welcome to return when you feel ready.
You can use our live chat service to communicate directly with a staff member by text or in BSL. No phone calls are needed.
All of our staff members are deaf and use sign language. We can adapt to your needs, including using International Sign if required.
Yes, you can still access video calls. Let us know your communication needs, and we can invite a sign language interpreter to join the call. You can explain this in advance or during the chat.
Yes. We have BSL resources and short films about domestic abuse, sexual violence and related topics. You can find these in the BSL Health Library.
Or more information is also available at signhealth.org.uk/domesticabuse
We’d love to hear from you. Please email us at da@signhealth.org.uk or use the live chat to share any issues or suggestions.
The live chat service focuses on anything related to domestic abuse or sexual violence. Please search our website for information about other topics or go to the Contact Us page for further contact details for each service.
Information
BSL resources and short films about topics related to domestic abuse
