Gilbert Advocacy Center

A Beacon of Hope and Healing

The Gilbert Advocacy Center will be the town’s first facility dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other interpersonal crimes. This centralized resource will bring together police investigators, victim advocates, counselors, medical professionals, and support services under one roof, creating a collaborative model of care that streamlines access to critical services for individuals and families in crisis.

The center is designed in collaboration with Trauma-Informed Design (TID) specialist Dak Kopec, Ph.D., Trauma-Informed Design (TID) is an empathetic approach that goes beyond functionality to create environments that promote healing, reduce stress, and foster a sense of safety and belonging. While rooted in supporting those who have experienced trauma, TID benefits everyone by shaping spaces that feel inclusive, comforting, and accessible. By embedding these principles throughout the Gilbert Advocacy Center, the facility sets a new standard for survivor-focused environments that minimize triggers and empower individuals to reclaim their futures.

Want to know more about Trauma-Informed Design? See our recent articles:

Trauma-Informed Design and Its Influence on the Built Environment

Designing Trauma-Informed Spaces with the SPACe Model

Unlearning What We Know When Applying Trauma-Informed Design and the SPACe Model

Trauma-Informed Design in Practice: A Purpose-Driven Success for the Gilbert Advocacy Center