Chicago Hearing Society sponsors
“Victim Rights Awareness Night ”

CHICAGO (April 4, 2005) – Chicago Hearing Society is sponsoring a Victims Rights Awareness Night to better acquaint both the deaf/hard of hearing community and the general public — as well as health care, human services, legal and other professionals — with the distinctive issues faced by people who are deaf or hard of hearing when they become crime victims. Two sessions will be offered. The first session is from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, April 11, Township of Schaumburg Building, 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates. The second session is from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, at Anixter Center’s Polk Conference Center, 3 rd Floor, 2032 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago. The events are held in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 10-16. National Crime Victims Rights Week is sponsored by the U.S. Justice Department.

“This type of training is absolutely essential both for people who are deaf and for the many professionals who work with them,” says Jill Sahakian, director, Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center in Chicago. “A large number of deaf people simply don’t have access to many avenues of information that are available to the general population about what to do if they become victims of a crime.” Sahakian adds, “Many deaf people believe there’s a ‘cultural barrier’ that may prevent them from obtaining justice. They perceive the law enforcement and judicial systems as ‘hearing institutions’ that may not always serve them well.”

Through Chicago Hearing Society’s Victims Assistance program, people who are deaf or hard of hearing receive help with myriad issues, including: the filing of a police report; receiving sign language interpretation services in the courtroom; identifying a suitable attorney; crisis management skills; referrals for counseling services; and importantly, assistance in filing a victim’s compensation claim.

Crime victims with disabilities have a higher risk of victimization than crime victims without disabilities, according to the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). They also face a greater risk of being re-victimized, often at the hands of a caregiver or family member, making it that much more difficult for them to report crimes without fear of retaliation. NOVA also points out that many crime victims who have disabilities may not have the resources or the physical stamina to cope with the many delays and other obstacles that typically occur in the criminal justice system.

Event speakers include: Howard Rosenblum, Equip for Equality, an attorney who is deaf; Patti Koras, Deaf Program, Rape Victim Advocates; and Michele Cunningham, victim assistance counselor, Chicago Hearing Society. For more information about Victims Rights Awareness Night or to RSVP (by April 8), contact Cunningham at mcunningham@anixter.org or (773) 248-9174, relay 711 (TTY). Sign language interpreters will be present at both sessions.

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The mission of the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center is to assist people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community. Anixter Center is a leading provider of high-quality vocational, residential and educational options, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and health care. Anixter Center is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of the community.