Case Study 4: Prevention of Abuse Among Deaf Adolescents Who Use Sign Language [LSE]

Context and Diagnosis of Linguistic Vulnerability

A specialized analysis of sexual abuse among deaf adolescents requires an understanding of how linguistic deprivation drastically increases the victim’s vulnerability.

In this clinical scenario, a 15-year-old deaf student, who uses Sign Language as her primary language, was subjected to inappropriate touching and non-consensual kissing by a sports coach.

The perpetrator used psychological coercion and emotional manipulation, imposing a pact of silence based on the minor’s alleged inability to communicate or be believed by adults.

During a training session on affective-sexual education, a severe lack of technical signs was detected in the minor’s communicative repertoire for naming actual genital anatomy, affirmative consent, and the different types of violence.

This communication barrier prevented the minor from formally identifying the abuse, keeping her in a state of defenselessness that perpetuated the violence she suffered in her daily environment.

Regulatory Activation and Adapted Sexological Intervention

Upon the explicit disclosure of the abuse, legal child protection protocols were immediately activated, and the situation was reported to the judicial authorities.

As an essential precautionary measure, the alleged perpetrator was placed under a protective restraining order, and the victim was provided with specialized psychological support.

Simultaneously, an adapted sexological intervention plan was designed and implemented, led by a sexologist and a Deaf mediator.

The educational strategy prioritized emotional support, destigmatizing the abuse, and dismantling internalized feelings of guilt.

Furthermore, the principle of bodily autonomy was reinforced, teaching that no adult has the right to violate a person’s privacy or demand the keeping of malicious secrets.

This multidisciplinary approach ensured a legally and emotionally safe environment, allowing the minor’s trust to be restored and her testimony to be fully validated throughout the institutional proceedings conducted by the authorities.

Development of Educational Tools in LSE and Results

The educational component involved the development and delivery of a specific signed glossary in Sign Language.

This tool provided precise, non-pathologizing signs to name genital anatomy, define mutual consent, and identify behaviors constituting sexual violence.

Additionally, the “Circle of Trust” technique was applied using graphic representations with colored concentric circles, empowering the minor to identify adult figures who could provide effective protection in the event of potential risky situations.

The linguistic and interpersonal training enabled the adolescent to testify in court with full interpretation support, facilitating the prosecution of the criminal offense.

The intervention eliminated the abusive environment, restored the victim’