Services for Deaf users
The Inquiry offers Deaf victims and survivors of child sexual abuse the opportunity to share their experience in the language of their choice. Sessions are delivered in British Sign Language and mainly by Deaf people.
Deaf survivors can share their accounts via videolink
Survivors of child sexual abuse who are Deaf will now be able to share their experiences with the Truth Project, part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, via videolink.
So far, almost 5,000 people have shared their accounts in person or in writing.
Share your experience by video
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and would like to take part in a video session with one of our Deaf facilitators please contact us to find out more.
Talking to us may help you decide, and it does not commit you to anything.
Meet the facilitators
Paul Redfern
I am a consultant working and living in Derby. Having worked as a facilitator for the Truth Project since the Deaf service started, I want to reassure Deaf victims and survivors that the Inquiry wants to know about their experiences. Previously Senior Community Development Manager at BDA, I am currently working as General Secretary for British Society for Mental Health & Deafness. Originally trained as a social worker, I also have a degree in charity management (MVA).
Thaisa Hughes
I have been a qualified BSL/English interpreter for the past 11 years and have worked in a variety of settings during that time, mainly across the West Midlands. I also work as a Senior Lecturer in Interpreting and Deaf studies at the University of Wolverhampton.
Share your experience in writing
If you’d like to share your experience in writing, you don’t need to make an appointment. You decide when and how you want to write about what happened to you.
"Deaf children are some of the most vulnerable in society and by specifically making provision for those with hearing difficulties we can empower all Deaf victims and survivors to come forward, if they choose” - Deaf Inquiry staff member
We know it’s not easy to share experiences of child sexual abuse. If you think it would help you to prepare and feel comfortable about sharing your experience, you can use our support service provided by SignHealth. You can change your mind about using the service at any time, and opt in or out of it. The support can be offered by text, WhatsApp, video or email.
“Sharing an account with the Truth Project is a deeply personal experience and during the Coronavirus pandemic people don’t always have access to their regular support networks. That’s why we’ve been careful to ensure a consistent support offer, and those who come forward to the Truth Project will be supported by a dedicated Deaf support worker before, during and after their Truth Project session” - James Watson-O’Neill, SignHealth CEO
Other Truth Project British Sign Language videos
Services for deaf users - the Inquiry's Three Main Activities
Some of the testimony given in our Residential Schools Investigation has been signed and is available on our YouTube channel. The published report can be found here.
The Truth Project
Our Truth Project offers the opportunity for victims and survivors to share their experience and be respectfully heard and acknowledged.