Domestic abuse and safe accommodation support
Domestic Abuse and Safe Accommodation (DASA)
At Manchester Deaf Centre we provide advice, advocacy and support to D/deaf individuals in Greater Manchester who are experiencing domestic abuse, including help to access safe accommodation.
You have 2 pathways to help:
- If you are in crisis or immediate danger install and use the police BSL 999 App (Android and iOS) through link 1 below.
- For ongoing support MDC's advocacy team can help you access a range of services including domestic abuse services, safe accommodation and homelessness services. Please note we are unable offer a 24/7 service
In crisis or immediate danger:
Link 1- Police BSL 999 app download: https://999bsl.co.uk/download/
For ongoing support:
How to book an appointment with MDC
Appointments can be face-to-face or by video call
If you are a D/deaf person who needs help:
Text or send a BSL video message to: 07425 549508
If you can write in English please download this self-referal form, complete it and email it to us through link 2:
dasa_self_referral_form.docx
Link 2 - Email the form to: waite@manchesterdeafcentre.com
If you are a professional who would like to refer a D/deaf person for support:
Please complete our ‘DASA Referral Form for Professionals’ and email it to us at: waite@manchesterdeafcentre.com
dasa_referral_form_for_professionals_.docx
Other organisations who can help you:
Sign Health
Is a national Deaf health charity which provides:
- a UK-wide specialist advice and support service for Deaf adults, young people, children and families who are experiencing domestic abuse;
- BSL videos for people who want to know more about domestic abuse;
For more information, Sign Health’s contact details, and a QR code which links to the BSL videos, please open the sign health poster below.
domestic_abuse_dl_leaflet_signhealth_june_2023.pdf
Insert Sign Health poster
Link 3 - Visit the Sign Health website: https://signhealth.org.uk/
Manchester Women's Aid
Is a Manchester-based charity which provides a range of services for people experiencing domestic abuse, including:
- safe and confidential temporary accommodation
- individual advice and support
- support groups
They have staff with basic BSL signs and deaf awareness training. They will book an interpreter to facilitate communication if needed.
For more information, please visit their website by clicking below
Link 4 - Visit the Women's Aid/Pankhurst Trust website: https://pankhursttrust.org/get-help
More about the MDC domestic abuse and safe accommodation service:
In 2022/2023, we received funding from Manchester City Council for a 6-month project. We developed links with domestic abuse, homelessness and safe accommodation providers and worked with them to improve D/deaf access to their services, for example by providing deaf awareness training. MDC’s advocacy team will now continue to work together with other organisations to ensure you get the support that you need.
