TTY (Teletypewriters)

Description/Risks

  • A communication tool for people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing that connects to a phone line.

  • Can be misused to impersonate someone.

  • All TTYs provide some history of the entire conversation. The history and transcripts of TTY calls might be recorded on paper or electronically. The abuser might monitor this information or misuse it; in some cases, a survivor might be able to introduce a transcript of a threatening TTY conversation as evidence.

Safety Strategies

  • Create a code word or phrase to ensure the identity of the person on other end and to avoid impersonation. 

  • Regularly clear TTY history unless a cleared history would increase risk.

  • Best Practice: Agencies should clear their TTY memory, avoid printing transcripts, and shred all printed transcripts of TTY calls, unless the victim explicitly requests that one printed transcript be kept for safety or evidence reasons. 

 

Relay Services

Description/Risks

  • A free service where a third party (operator) facilitates a conversation for a person who is Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.

  • Users may access relay services via a video phone, web cam, computer, TTY or other device. They might use a phone line, Internet or cable connection. 

  • Can be used to impersonate someone.

  • Relay conversations and devices may be monitored.

Safety Strategies

  • Establish secret code words or phrases to ensure identity of person.

  • If possible, use a “safer” TTY, device, or computer to access relay (one an abuser hasn’t had access to).

  • Be aware that relay conversations might be secretly recorded by an abuser using spyware or video recording.

  • When possible, meet in person to discuss sensitive information. 

  • Best practice: Relay services are not a substitute for providing interpreters. Agencies should always offer an in person certified sign language interpreter. Additionally, agencies can contract with Video Remote Interpreter (VRI) services. These are not video relay services but use similar technologies; an agency would need to have a high-speed connection and video phone or web camera.  An agency can contract with a VRI provider to be on call remotely 24X7 in case a survivor arrives and needs an interpreter quickly.