$8,644 raised by 44 donors
86% complete
$10,000 Goal
DOVE is dedicated to providing direct services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Colorado Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) community. We are the only source of Deaf and ASL-accessible advocacy services in the state.
"Before, I felt ashamed, abused, embarrassed, emotional, big time victim, nobody, ugly, failure and fool. Thanks to DOVE for helping me and my two kids now I feel free, no more victim and stronger now! DOVE helped me so much by giving me support for gas to go to work or court and food for my family during the horrible times."
- Deaf woman, survivor of DV
"Remember, you're not alone -- let the beauty little bird (DOVE advocates) to guide you with many ways to help, as they helped me."
- Deaf man, survivor of DV
"Thank God that DOVE is there for me to help me a lot - I would have difficult time with hearing people!"
- Deaf teen, survivor of sexual assault
"I was so scared to face him in court but DOVE there with me makes me safer! DOVE helps me so much with papers, court, food stamps and finding my own place. I thank DOVE for everything."
- Deaf woman, survivor of DV
"I was so ashamed to contact DOVE as a professional for a long time and finally, when I reached out for help; DOVE kept everything confidential and still treat me as a professional. The staff are very respectful and supportive. I am grateful for their on-going support and am a survivor now."
- Anonymous
Supporting Colorado Deaf survivors’ healing journey.
In 1999, five Deaf women from Denver, CO established a nonprofit agency originally called Dove Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Women and Children after seeing the struggles of many Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) victims of abuse. At the time, there was no accessible and culturally sensitive place to obtain support and services. This group of women were invited to attend an intensive training program conducted by Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) in Seattle, WA. The training program, "Justice for Deaf Victims," was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. ADWAS served as a model and resource for the founders, and the organization received its 501(c)3 status from the Internal Revenue Code in May 2000. The founders included the word "dove" in the name because it represents peace and hope, in alignment with the mission of the organization.
DOVE targets an underserved and marginalized community by providing the only source of full accessibility and support for any DDBDDHH people that may be primary or secondary victims/survivors of abuse. This is accomplished through the direct nature of DOVE's work, provided by advocates who identify as DDBDDHH themselves, with an intimate understanding of Deaf cultural norms. This peer advocacy proves successful in a community that craves access to information through American Sign Language (ASL), and support from those familiar with the lived experiences of Deaf people.
Our agency also works to enact systemic change by conducting technical assistance and training work around the state.
Organization name
Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment
other names
DOVE, Dove Advocacy Services for Abused Deaf Women and Children
2000
Tax id (EIN)
84-1535138
Category
Human Services
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
PO Box 150449Jefferson County, CO, US