The Gatehouse

The Gatehouse
Headquarters 3101 Lake Shore Blvd West
Location
Website http://www.thegatehouse.org/

The Gatehouse is a registered charity based in the Etobicoke area of in Toronto, Ontario, Canada treating the survivors of child abuse. The headquarters for the charity was the doctor's house for the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, built in the 1890s. It was abandoned for over 30 years and restored for use by the charity. A renovation valued at over $300,000 was completed for under $30,000 because of the support given by the community. The vision of The Gatehouse and the restoration of the house was the creation of Arthur Raymond Lockhart who had the idea to reach out to survivors of child abuse within the community. His vision is to give survivors a place to tell their stories, to give them back their voices, to heal their wounds and to inspire them to see their own potential.

Fundraising initiatives raise money for programs that provide support to the Adult Support Network and the Investigation Support Program. The Gatehouse is supported by hundreds of volunteers all dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by childhood abuse. The Gatehouse is not core funded by any agency or organization.

Programs

The Gatehouse offers two main programs for abuse survivors: The Gatehouse Adult Support Network (GASN) and The Gatehouse Investigation Support Program (GISP).

The Gatehouse Adult Support Program

Since 1998 The Gatehouse has offered support groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse through social reconnection, education and information. The Gatehouse offers a phase 1 and phase 2 program, a partners support workshop and training on process based facilitation.

Phase 1 - The 15-week peer led groups offer support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in a safe and comfortable environment.

The 15-week groups discuss a topic each week and are led by two Gatehouse trained facilitators. Some of the topics that are discussed include

  • Triggers
  • Moving out of isolation into inclusion
  • Anger
  • Inner child
  • Re establishing healthy boundaries
  • Sexuality
  • Loss and grief
  • Addictions
  • Resiliency
  • Flashback and grounding techniques

Phase 2 is a group facilitated by male and female Gatehouse trained facilitators. Incorporating trauma focused mindfulness living techniques and meditation individuals are able to further develop and enhance positive coping skills as they continue their journey of healing.

Topics discussed include:

  • Issues, Perceptions and Belief Systems
  • Actions and Reflections
  • Self and Other
  • Moving meditations/Chi Kung/Yoga
  • Meditation and Imagery
  • Moving beyond Stuckness
  • Creating your sacred path
  • Transformation
  • Pre-requisite: Must complete the Phase 1 15-week program

Partners Support A one day workshop exploring…“ Being the partner of a person who has been traumatized by childhood sexual abuse.”

GISP

The Gatehouse is a child friendly neutral location where investigating police officers and child welfare workers can interview children/youth and their families during child abuse investigations.

  • The Gatehouse is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for investigations.
  • Testimony is recorded on audio and visual recording equipment.
  • The Gatehouse is available for additional and follow up meetings such as court preparation, case conference and additional interviews.
  • Investigations are booked through The Gatehouse on-line system.

The Child and Family Advocate offers support to families during the investigation process. The advocate can assist with referrals to community agencies, court preparation program in cases where charges are laid and provide information around the investigation process and answer any questions that the family may have.

Awards and recognition

  • The Gatehouse was invited to present The Gatehouse model at the 2001 national conference of The National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) in Edmonton, Alberta[1]
  • The Gatehouse investigation model was presented to the International Association of Chiefs of Police
  • In March 2002, the City of Toronto Police Department noted The Gatehouse's staff's support in a press release about investigations held at The Gatehouse (Toronto Star article)
  • The Gatehouse has been invited to consult with agencies in Ontario interested in replicating The Gatehouse in their own communities
  • In June 2003, The Gatehouse was awarded the City of Toronto Mayor's Community Safety Award [2]
  • In September 2003, The Gatehouse was awarded the Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award[3][4]
  • In December 2003, The Gatehouse was invited to participate in round table discussions hosted by The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness[5]

Notes

  1. ↑ Archived February 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  2. ↑ "Mayor's Community Safety Awards - Community Safety - Social Development | City of Toronto". Toronto.ca. Retrieved 2014-05-06.
  3. ↑ http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-110916365.html
  4. ↑ Archived February 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  5. ↑ "Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness". Ccfaa.com. Retrieved 2014-05-06.

Coordinates: 43°35′56″N 79°30′47″W / 43.5988°N 79.5131°W / 43.5988; -79.5131

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