WHAT IS OUR “WHY?”

No victim of violence should ever feel alone. We are committed to creating a safe space for victims in Gilbert to receive the help they need without revictimization.

“I don’t believe there is a more lonely or heartbreaking moment for a victim of violence than when that victim is courageous and brave enough to reach out for help – and no one answers the call. Knowing firsthand how that unanswered call crushes the victim and creates a sense of extraordinary hopelessness, I’ve made it my life’s purpose to ensure that doesn’t happen in Gilbert.” 

Kathy Tilque, President Gilbert Advocacy Center Foundation, former Town of Gilbert Vice Mayor/Councilmember, and former CEO Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

  • Violence of any kind should not be tolerated, but it is an ugly truth that infiltrates every community in the nation and world.  It appears it is easier to get our arms/hearts around those publicized acts of violence and become outraged and eager to assist.  But what about those who fear that reaching out will result in repercussions from their abuser, fear they won’t be believed, or looking to protect others from enduring the same harm?  We have victims who depend on their abuser financially and emotionally and fear they have nowhere to go.   These victims suffer in silence, hide their bruises and emotions from the world, even those close to them. 

  • We’ve heard from victims of violence that they feel revictimized every time they must retell and emotionally relive their story as they are sent from place to place across the valley for services.  We are committed to providing a safe environment right here in Gilbert to limit that revictimization and ensure they feel heard and cared for in a compassionate manner.   

  • We are calling for our community to get involved, help us raise the funds to provide the services needed to help that victim feel safe in reporting the crime, in escaping the abuser and beginning a new life for them and their families!

VISION

We empower victims of violence to become survivors, thrivers, and champions to help others break the cycle of violence.

MISSION

We mobilize community resources and partnerships to support Gilbert's Advocacy Center in providing compassionate, streamlined services to victims of violence. 

PURPOSE

The Gilbert Advocacy Center Foundation will engage local law enforcement, elected leadership, existing community expertise and services to support victims of violence navigate the judicial system while receiving the resources needed to move their and them family’s lives forward.

The Gilbert Advocacy Center Foundation (Gilbert ACF) is the fundraising arm, 501(c)(3), of the Town of Gilbert’s Advocacy Center.  The Gilbert ACF will serve as the Advisory Board for the Town’s Center and assist in bringing financial and non-profit resources together to provide meaningful services to victims and their families.

WHAT IS AN ADVOCACY CENTER?

An Advocacy Center is a specialized facility designed to provide comprehensive support and services to individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, or other forms of interpersonal violence. These centers aim to streamline and coordinate services to ensure that survivors receive the help they need in a compassionate and efficient manner.

The Gilbert’s Advocacy Center model is based on a multi-disciplinary team approach to ensure victims are supported throughout the judicial process and beyond.  The multi-disciplinary team approach ensures a family advocate is available to help the victim understand the need for police or forensic therapist interviews, exams, and connecting victims with the non-profit resources throughout the East Valley.  The Advocacy Center will also provide an added therapy component for ongoing client assistance. The Center will be a place of hope for our community, serving victims of crime in an environment that fosters resilience and healing.

Project Timeline

The Gilbert Advocacy Center celebrated its groundbreaking on January 13, 2025, and we anticipate its completion and opening of services to begin in December 2026!  If you’d like to keep up to date on the construction project and future programming, follow this link. 

Construction Project Update: gilbertaz.gov/AdvocacyCenter

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