SmartSafeSigning is an AHRC-funded research project exploring Deaf inclusion within domestic violence and abuse support services and the criminal justice system. The project is led by Dr Karlie Stonard (University of Wolverhampton), with Dr John McDaniel (Lancaster University) and Dr Christopher Stone (University of Wolverhampton) as co-investigators.
At this early stage, the research team has been speaking with professionals across domestic abuse services and policing. While this is not yet a formal analysis, these initial conversations have highlighted recurring themes that offer important insight into current challenges and opportunities.
Key issues emerging so far
One of the most consistently raised challenges is the shortage of qualified interpreters. Several practitioners described interpreter availability ratios as high as ten Deaf or hard of hearing survivors to every one interpreter, creating unavoidable delays at points where timely support is critical.
Participants also highlighted that British Sign Language (BSL) has regional variation, much like spoken languages. Differences in signs and meanings across regions can create additional barriers if services are not aware of or responsive to this.
Another strong theme was the importance of media sensitisation. While enforcement and support services play a central role, participants stressed that public messaging also matters. Positive work carried out by services is often under-reported, while negative narratives can spread quickly, potentially discouraging survivors from seeking help.
Funding and capacity featured heavily in discussions. Many IDVA services are charity-led, and short-term or fragmented funding can impact staffing levels, follow-up, and aftercare — even where commitment and expertise are strong.
There was also cautious discussion about digital solutions. While technology is not a replacement for human interpreters and brings its own challenges, some felt that carefully designed digital support could act as a partial or interim solution while interpreter shortages persist.
The importance of lived experience involvement was repeatedly emphasised. Participants noted that shared experience can help build trust and understanding in ways that formal systems alone cannot.
From a policing perspective, conversations highlighted the need for consistent guidance and training. Officers may encounter Deaf survivors infrequently, but without appropriate preparation, even well-intentioned responses can fall short.
Finally, a longer-term reflection focused on early education, with suggestions that basic sign language awareness in schools could help normalise communication and reduce barriers over time.
About the SmartSafeSigning project
SmartSafeSigning explores the role of technology in facilitating fairer, more inclusive access to domestic abuse support and criminal justice processes for D/deaf survivors who use BSL. The project examines how tools such as video-interpreter technology and BSL 999 are used, their benefits and limitations, and whether they are experienced as safe, appropriate, and effective by survivors and professionals.
The project is partnered with Women’s Aid (West Mercia and Birmingham and Solihull), SignHealth, and West Midlands Police, while also seeking perspectives from professionals and survivors across England and Wales.
A pilot study conducted in 2023 highlighted the promise of new accessibility tools, alongside inconsistencies in how they are used throughout the criminal justice process. These findings directly informed the development of the SmartSafeSigning project.
Early learning so far
Initial research highlights the importance of:
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Deaf awareness from first contact, including asking about communication needs in BSL
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Providing independent, appropriate interpreters to avoid conflicts of interest
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Allowing time to build trust and rapport between survivors and interpreters
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Offering continuity wherever possible through consistent interpreter provision
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Minimising the burden placed on survivors to organise interpretation or technology
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Exploring how technology can reduce isolation, particularly for survivors who have relocated for safety
These early insights underline the need for person-centred, inclusive approaches that recognise communication as fundamental to safety, trust, and access to justice.