Transforming Trauma into Triumph: 14th Annual Conference Recap

Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is “The Power of Collaboration”

On Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, the 14th Annual Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference took place at Humber College’s Lake Shore Campus. With 71 attendees, the event proved to be a powerful and inspiring gathering dedicated to addressing and understanding childhood sexual abuse (CSA).

Event Highlights

The conference commenced with registration at 9:00 AM, and the formal program ran from 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM. The participants, who included survivors of childhood sexual abuse, social service professionals, post-secondary students, police officers, and community members, convened in Building L Room 1017 for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.

Key Objectives

The conference aimed to:

  • Raise awareness about the impact of childhood sexual abuse and the resilience of survivors.
  • Enhance knowledge of community services available to support CSA survivors.
  • Facilitate the exchange of diverse perspectives on victimization, criminal justice, healing, and recovery.
  • Foster collaboration among psychotherapists, mental health practitioners, and survivors sharing their healing journeys.

Why This Event Matters

With statistics revealing that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives, the importance of The Gatehouse’s mission cannot be overstated. This conference highlighted the crucial need for continued support and services for survivors, emphasizing the role of peer support in helping individuals regain their voices and develop positive coping mechanisms to combat anxiety, nightmares, and depression.

Esteemed Speakers

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

  • Marlee Liss, award-winning speaker and restorative justice advocate
  • Tara MacLean, singer, songwriter, and author
  • Trynelle Thomas, survivor and advocate
  • Irwin Elman, Officer of the Order of Canada and President of Defence For Children
  • Representatives from the Toronto Police Service Sex Crimes Unit
  • Arthur Lockhart, founder of The Gatehouse
  • Kristi White, Rosalia Rivera, and Stewart Thompson from the Survivor Council of Canada
  • Maria Barcelos, MA, Executive Director of The Gatehouse and registered psychotherapist
  • Mafalda Silva, DTATI, RP, art therapist

Support and Sponsorship

The Gatehouse relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund and expand its programs, which are offered free of charge to those affected by childhood sexual abuse. These programs include child abuse investigations, peer support groups, art therapy, and support for partners and families. This event was generously supported by the Department of Justice Canada Victims and Survivors of Crime Week Funding.

About The Gatehouse

Since its founding on June 20, 1998, The Gatehouse has been a beacon of hope for CSA survivors. Its mission is to provide support, community, and resources for those impacted by childhood sexual abuse, helping them to heal and reclaim their voices.

For more information, please visit The Gatehouse website or contact Maria Barcelos at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org.

Contact Information

The Gatehouse Child Abuse Investigation & Support Site
3101 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, ON, M8V 3W8
Phone: 416.255.5900
Fax: 416.255.7221
Website: www.thegatehouse.org

Thank you to all who attended and supported this vital conference. Together, we are transforming trauma into triumph.