Deaf SHARE

~The cost of starting over~

Some of the hardest work happens after the crisis is over. Healing isn’t just about surviving, it’s about rebuilding a life you deserve.

[Video & identity description]
Jaz, a Puerto Rican woman, stands against a light-colored wall while signing directly to the camera. She wears black-and-white cat-eye eyeglasses, an olive green blouse, long green earrings, a black smartwatch, and silver rings. The Deaf SHARE – A Program of SAFE logo appears in the top-left corner.

🚩The Boundary Test🚩

One red flag people often miss is when someone only respects your boundary after you’ve explained it three times.

Healthy people don’t need repeated explanations to respect your limits.

Respect doesn’t require a PowerPoint presentation.

[Video & identity description]
Jaz, a Puerto Rican woman, stands against a light-colored wall while signing directly to the camera. She wears black-and-white cat-eye eyeglasses, gold hoop earrings, a sleeveless denim vest over a lime green and white patterned dress, and an Apple Watch. The Deaf SHARE – A Program of SAFE logo appears in the top-left corner.

“The nervous system after abuse”

[Transcript]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Many of you already talk about this topic, but do we talk enough about what the nervous system can do to you?

Abuse can train your body to believe peace is dangerous.

You start explaining yourself too much
You panic when your phone vibrates
You get anxious when someone is upset
Rest makes you feel guilty
You read people’s mood to stay safe

That’s what survival mode can do to your nervous system.

Tips:

Stop apologizing for needing space
Rest without explaining yourself
Learn the difference between peace and isolation
Let your body experience quiet safely

Healing can feel uncomfortable when your body is used to chaos. You deserve harmony.

[Video & identity description]

Jaz, a Puerto Rican woman, sits on a wooden chest against a white wall with a mustard velvet pillow behind her. She is wearing a black half-sleeve button blouse, gold hoop earrings, eyeglasses, and her hair in a ponytail.

Grooming: Sexual Abuse of a Minor

[Visual & Identity Description]

Joe, a white Deaf man, sits on a black chair against an off white wall with a shelf with a green plant on the top behind him. He wears a blue brow lined eyeglasses with a black polo and bracelets on both of his wrists. He has a buzz cut and a full brown trimmed beard. He signs with an empathetic look.

Jasmine, a Puerto Rican Deaf woman, stands against a white wall with a green plant behind her. She wears a brown tortoise colored cat eye glasses, a black shirt with a black vest, delicate necklace, and a silver ring on her finger. Her hair is wavy and down. She is signing with an expressive, focused look.

Still Photo #1: black background with a teal ribbon on the top and a teal paint brush splatter on bottom. Title: SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH. Text: Protect Minors. Recognize Grooming. Support Survivors. We stand against child abuse. Photos used: 1) a group of children facing a camera underneath, 2) a woman looking at a text bubble saying, “This can be our secret.” with a smiley face emoji. 3) Deaf SHARE: A Program of SAFE logo

Still Photo #2: teal background with dark teal paint brushstrokes. Photo of a little girl being held by two hands on shoulder in middle. Deaf SHARE: A Program of SAFE logo on bottom right. Text: If you suspect of sexual abuse in a child…Don’t ignore the signs. Every child deserves someone who listens, believes, and acts. Contact Child Protective Services or call 1-800-4-A-Child. Call/VRS: 512-267-7233. Text: 737-888-7233. Weblink: www.safeaustin.org/chat.

Transcript in the comments below!

Intentions don’t equal impact.

Pause. Check in.

Is this support, or control?

Center their voice. Let them lead.

[Video & Identity Description]

Jasmine, a Puerto Rican Deaf woman, stands against a white wall with a green plant behind her. She wears light pink cat-eye glasses, a black sleeveless top with lace detail, a delicate necklace, and a smartwatch. Her hair is pulled back neatly, and she is signing with an expressive, focused look. The Deaf SHARE: A Program of SAFE logo appears at the top.

Instead of asking, “Why didn’t you leave?”
try holding space with care.

Listen.
Believe them.
Trust their timing.

Support isn’t about directing their choices, it’s about walking beside them while they find their way.

[Video & Identity Description]
Jaz, a Latina Deaf woman, stands against a clean white wall. She has shoulder-length dark hair with natural gray streaks, styled in soft waves, and wears bold light pink cat-eye glasses.

💜Love does not require surveillance.💜

[Image & video description]
A smartphone graphic centered on a pink and purple gradient background. On the phone screen, bold white text with a pink outline reads, “Digital Abuse Is Still Abuse.” The Deaf SHARE – A Program of SAFE logo appears at the bottom of the screen.

This isn’t “teen drama.”
It’s a safety issue.

If we teach teens what healthy looks like,
we reduce harm before it escalates.

[Video description]
A soft pink, purple, and peach gradient background. Centered bold white text with a thick black outline and pink glow texts. The Deaf SHARE – A Program of SAFE logo appears in the bottom-right corner in red and black on a white background.