Kristi Love

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is receiving increased focus in society, with high profile examples of victimization involving athletes, actors, and politicians being discussed frequently. Society is more accepting of reporting issues of abuse and seeking help for victims. As awareness of domestic and intimate partner violence has increased, resources to address this issue are likely being utilized more. However, some populations are likely being overlooked, underserved, or excluded from accessing these resources. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are among those who are underrepresented in the existing research on intimate partner violence. Research on victimization among Deaf and hard of hearing people is limited, and is even further limited among Deaf and hard of hearing college students. This is particularly concerning, as the number of incidents on college campuses involving IPV rises. A February 18, 2017 New York Times article, “Universities Face Pressure to Hold the Line on Title IX”, reported that 227 colleges and universities were under investigation for more than 300 Title IX violations. Among the institutions being investigated are Ivy League schools and other highly regarded programs. Colleges and universities are attempting to educate and prevent these incidents from happening in the wake of an exposure of inadequate reporting and support systems. Potential implications of these shortfalls in research include impacts on funding for prevention and education programs, particularly for those individuals who are underrepresented in the research. Stated, differently, problems of unknown magnitude are unlikely to be carefully addressed, hence this

research’s focus on the underserved and overlooked population of Deaf and hard of hearing. The first purpose of this study is to determine whether data collected indicated significant correlations between auditory status and intimate partner victimization among Deaf and hard of hearing students. The second purpose is to determine if Deaf and hard of hearing college students would be victimized at higher rates than their hearing peers based on higher rates of childhood exposure to family violence. Lastly, the challenges with surveying the Deaf community will be addressed with an emphasis on a modified research method as a recommendation to improve the current study.

Publication Date

4-28-2017

Document Type

Master's Project

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Criminal Justice (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Criminal Justice (CLA)

Advisor

Jason Scott

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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