What is the vision and mission of the project?
The Gilbert Advocacy Center will be a place of hope for our community in an environment that fosters resilience and healing by providing holistic services as victims of crime recover from trauma and navigate the justice process. We will achieve this by upholding these communal values:
- Support victims of crime by providing comprehensive investigatory and support services as they navigate the criminal justice system.
- Encourage resilience through holistic services that promote healing.
- Recognize that each victim’s journey is unique.
- Validate the feelings and perspectives of those who visit our facility by demonstrating compassion and empathy for all.
- Empower victims.
What is an Advocacy Center?
An Advocacy Center provides support, resources and advocacy for victims of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault and other traumatic incidents. Our focus is on helping victims heal and navigate the legal system, not on providing services to criminals.
How will the new center improve services for victims?
The new center will provide a centralized facility in Gilbert for coordinated victims services, opposed to utilizing multiple facilities in adjacent communities. Currently, Gilbert Police use advocacy centers and care facilities in adjacent municipalities for various victim services.
How will the center affect the local community?
The center will provide vital support services to victims of crime, which can lead to a stronger, safer community. By helping victims heal and regain stability, we contribute to overall community well-being. The center will also offer programs to raise awareness and prevent violence.
Who will the Advocacy Center serve?
The center will serve victims of crime, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other forms of interpersonal violence. The center has been designed to accommodate both juvenile and adults needing services.
Will the center only assist Gilbert residents?
No, the center will assist any victim of a violent crime in Gilbert where the circumstances of the crime are best addressed through the services that the Advocacy Center will offer.
What is trauma informed design and how was it used in this facility?
Trauma-informed design (TiD) integrates the principles of trauma-informed care into physical design of spaces with the goal to create an environment that promotes safety, well-being, and healing. TiD was utilized during the development of the Advocacy Center with consideration given to the victim journey throughout the facility.
What services will be provided at the Gilbert Advocacy Center?
Gilbert’s Advocacy Center will be the community’s first full-service advocacy center with an added therapy component for ongoing visitors. Crimes that would be investigated through the advocacy center include: child abuse, interpersonal violence, domestic violence, vulnerable adult abuse, and sexual assault and abuse.
What facilities will the new center include?
The new center will include space for victim advocates to provide service, forensic interview rooms, private counseling rooms, group therapy spaces, as well as other features designed to provide a comfortable and respectful environment for those needing services from this facility. There will also be secure entry points and enhanced security features to ensure the safety of clients and staff.
Will the center also serve as a shelter?
No, the Advocacy Center is not a shelter. Victims needing assistance with temporary housing or safe accommodation will be connected to local nonprofits and partnering businesses to receive services.
What measures will be in place to ensure safety of the community when completed?
The safety of the community and our clients is our top priority. The center will have secure entry points and surveillance systems, among other features designed to provide a safe environment. Access to the facility will be controlled, and only clients, scheduled visitors, and authorized staff will be allowed entry.
Will the presence of the center attract criminals to our community?
No, the center is designed to support victims. Services will be focused on helping victims navigate the criminal justice process, recover and rebuild.
What is the projected timeline for the project?
Click here to view the project timeline.
How will the construction impact the surrounding community?
We are committed to minimizing disruption to the community during construction. Work will primarily take place during standard business hours, and measures will be in place to control noise, dust and traffic impacts. We will communicate any significant changes or impacts in advance.
What will the future building look like?
View the Project Site Map
View Conceptual Renderings
How will the project be funded?
Click here for the project funding detail.
Why is the project phased, and what will each phase entail?
The first phase of the Advocacy Center will serve as the primary service hub, fully operational upon completion. It will house the core functions necessary to support immediate service delivery and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Future phases are designed to be supplemental, accommodating anticipated growth and the integration of additional disciplines into the facility:
- Phase 2 will provide dedicated office space for police investigators, advocates, forensic interviewers, and other supporting personnel.
- Phase 3 will introduce a multipurpose, multidisciplinary room to support the expanding operations and evolving needs of the center.
Once all phases are complete, the entire Advocacy Center Complex will enable seamless collaboration among police, social workers, Department of Child Safety agents, Office of Child Welfare Investigations, prosecuting attorneys, and on-site physicians. This unified approach is intended to reduce the trauma associated with physical and sexual abuse—transforming a place of victimization into one of empowerment.
How can community members get involved in the project?
Community members can get involved by attending public meetings, providing feedback, volunteering and supporting fundraising efforts. We welcome and value community input throughout the construction process.
Were there public meetings held for this project?
Yes, there were two project open houses held - one on Thursday, February 22, 2024 and Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The public involvement team had a project information booth at the following community events:
Gilbert Global Village Festival - Saturday, April 6, 2024
Gilbert Farmer's Market - Saturday, April 20, 2024
Gilbert Cinemas: Movies in the Park - Friday, April 26, 2024
How can I stay informed about the center’s activities and updates?
You can stay informed by visiting our website, subscribing to our email list and attending public meetings and events. We are committed to keeping th
e community informed and engaged.
