Bisindo-based rational emotive behaviour therapy model: study preliminary prevention of sexual harassment in women with deafness

Purpose Women with deafness are one of the vulnerable groups who experience sexual harassment. As a result, they experience psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, fear and trauma. This problem is made worse because women with deafness have language and speech disorders. This paper aims to explore sexual harassment of women with deafness and develop Bisindo-based rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) to deal with sexual harassment against women with deafness. Design/methodology/approach Using the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation model of the R&D approach, this preliminary research study was carried out in four stages. The research respondents for the need assessment were 166 people with ten professional backgrounds spread throughout Indonesia. Respondents for model validation tests are ten people: REBT experts, psychologists, Bisindo experts, teachers, lecturers, Head of Women's Organization (WCC) and Head of the Deaf Community (Gerkatin) in West Sumatra. Data were collected by questionnaire. Findings The results showed that many women with deafness experienced sexual harassment. The handling model using REBT mediated by Bisindo is needed in further research to test its effectiveness. The validity test results show that the Bisindo-based REBT model has been declared feasible, helpful, accurate and practical to be used as a response model for sexual harassment in women with deafness. Originality/value The results of this study imply the need for the application of therapies that follow the characteristics of victims, such as Bisindo-based REBT for female sexual victims.