Exploring domestic violence against deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals: a quantitative survey using a sign language video questionnaire.

Abstract

This study explores domestic violence against deaf and hard-of-hearing adults in Iran-an issue that has received little attention. Using a bilingual questionnaire available in both written Persian and Iranian Sign Language video, we surveyed 384 married or cohabiting deaf adults recruited through social media and deaf associations. Participants reported experiences of physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. Psychological and sexual violence were the most common, especially among women and those in unstable or ended relationships. People who were only partly fluent in sign language faced added risks, reporting more sexual and economic violence than fully fluent or non-fluent participants. Violence was linked to negative views about deafness, and different types of abuse often occurred together. Higher levels of violence were associated with spousal separation, a partner becoming deaf later in life, and having deaf parents. The study shows the importance of sign-language-accessible tools and calls for better support services and protections for deaf people in Iran.