Why Is This Event Important? Despite the widespread impact of sexual violence, the current system is failing survivors. With fewer than 6% of survivors reporting due to fear of re-traumatization, it is crucial to explore justice models that genuinely support healing and transformation. This is why we are encouraging one and all to Join The Gatehouse and Justice4Survivors on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 9 am to 3:30 pm at Humber College Lake Shore Campus. Building and Room yet to be announced, for an important gathering that will bring together survivors, restorative and transformative justice practitioners, and legal experts to explore alternatives to the traditional justice system—ones that prioritize healing, accountability, and meaningful change. Through panel discussions, open dialogues, and collective strategizing, we aim to reshape justice to be survivor-centered and trauma-informed. Get Your Tickets Get your tickets today! We would love to hear your voice in shaping solutions that are just and healing for everyone. Special rate for post-secondary students. Use the discount code STUDENTRJ at checkout. https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/survivors-voices-restorative-and-transformative-justice-after-sexual-harm If you are experiencing financial barriers and want to attend, please contact Maria – mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org or admin@survivors4justicereform.com Event Agenda 8:30 am : Registration 9:00 am – 9:30 am : Opening & Grounding 9:30 am – 10:45 am: Panel 1: Survivors Speak: Transformative and Restorative Justice for Sexual Harm ft. Survivors 4 Justice Reform Chapter Members Emily Quint and Founder Marlee Liss and another Survivor 11:00 am – 12:15 pm: Panel 2: Policy Experts Speak: Restorative and Transformative Justice for Gender-Based Violence ft. Hoori Hamboyan (Federal Ombudsman), Arthur Lockhart (The Gatehouse), Rosel Kim (LEAF) 12: 15 pm – 1:15 pm: Lunch – provided 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm: Open Space facilitated by The Gatehouse – attendees supported in exploring topics discussed in working groups, end goal of creating a collective policy brief 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm: Closing and grounding Thank you to our Champions of Justice sponsors, Harmony Homestay & Gluckstein Lawyers Continue To Follow The Gatehouse To keep up to date on what we’re doing and our life-changing collaborations, you can follow us on Instagram @thegatehousetoronto and @survivors4justicereform, as well as become a member of The Survivors Council of Canada by heading to https://survivorscouncil.ca For more information about The Gatehouse programs and services, visit thegatehouse.org
Man Enough to Heal: Men Share Their Healing Journeys and Hope
Journeys of Healing and Hope When we think about childhood sexual abuse (CSA), we often fall into a rigid binary of who causes harm and who is harmed. This limited view deepens the pain that men, trans, and non-binary individuals have already experienced. The truth is: men can be survivors too. “According to the 2014 GSS [General Social Survey], in that year, the majority (83%) of sexual assaults were not reported to police. Only five percent of sexual assaults were reported. In three studies completed by Justice Canada with survivors of sexual assault, over two-thirds of those in the male sample (68%) (2019, Government of Canada)” Join us for a powerful all-male panel discussion on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This event will shed light on the experiences of male survivors and challenge the myths that surround them. Held in an intimate café setting, the evening will offer space for storytelling, connection, and community. Get Your Tickets Register today for November 5, 2025, Man Enough to Heal: Men Share Their Journeys of Healing and Hope Location: Creeds Coffee Bar 450 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 3P3 Cost: $20 per ticket To uplift and support male survivors purchase your tickets at: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/man-enough-to-heal-men-share-their-journeys-of-healing-and-hope Are you a male CSA survivor? A student, educator, or professional in the healing field? A community member passionate about supporting survivors? You are warmly invited to attend. Man Enough to Heal is not a lecture. It’s an evening of truth-telling, solidarity, and hope. A night to break the silence and remind survivors everywhere: you are not alone. Other Male Survivor Supports If you or anyone you know might be looking for support, please reach out to The Gatehouse for judgment-free, caring, client-centered support with our phase 1 and 2 peer support programs which you can learn more about here: https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services/peer-support/phase-1 You can also call the male survivors of abuse crisis line, which is 24/7 and multilingual: 1-866-887-0015, or check out A Time for Men sexual abuse survivors group: https://bloorwestpsychotherapy.ca/a-time-for-men-groups
Truth and Reconciliation Day with The Gatehouse: Why You Should Attend
Who’s Land is This? The Gatehouse resides on the traditional land of the Missisaugas of the Credit First Nations, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and is part of Treaty 13 territory. The Purpose of Hosting TRC Day At The Gatehouse, we create space every day to confront an issue that is painful, complex, and left silently in the shadows: Childhood Sexual Abuse. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, we extend that commitment by facing another hard truth: the legacy and ongoing impacts of Canadian colonialism. Led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, we will come together and honour the truths of residential schools, the loss of Indigenous languages, culture, and identity—and we recognize the continued strength and resilience of Indigenous communities.This day is about remembrance, reflection, and respect. It’s an invitation to listen, learn, and be part of the journey toward reconciliation. Why Should I Attend? If you feel anxious or unsure about whether to attend, you’re not alone, and you’re still warmly encouraged to join us from 1pm to 3pm at The Gatehouse. We strive to be a safer space where dialogue is welcomed, and making mistakes is part of learning. This event is a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Canada’s history and its lasting impacts on Indigenous communities. Held in our beautiful and revitalizing Healing Garden, the gathering supports Indigenous-led education and advocacy, strengthens community, and fosters intercultural understanding. You’ll have the honour of respectfully witnessing or participating in Indigenous ceremony: something best experienced in guided and intentional spaces like this. It’s a chance to listen, reflect, and engage with the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples alongside others who are committed to learning and healing. Whether you’re a teacher bringing students, a family wanting to learn together, or someone looking to grow in your allyship, this event is for you. Everyone is welcome. By attending, you will be supporting both The Gatehouse and its mission to create spaces of compassion, education, and transformation, as well as guest speaker and educator, Kristi White, a proud Haudenosaunee woman, and author of Indigenous children’s books The Adventures of Jay & Gizmo. We hope you’ll be part of this meaningful day. You can register for the FREE event here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/annual-truth-and-reconciliation-in-the-healing-garden Other Resources Below you can find a wide range of resources to help supplement your knowledge about Indigenous People’s. https://principedejoyce.com/en/index https://fncaringsociety.com/jordans-principle
Peer Support Program for 2SLGBTQIA+ CSA Survivors : Compelling Evidence of Program Effectiveness
The Gatehouse was proud to collaborate with senior students from Humber Polytechnic’s Community Development program on a research project examining the effectiveness of our Phase 1 peer support program for 2SLGBTQIA+ adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This partnership provided valuable insights into both the strengths of our existing services and the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ participants within our community. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and inclusivity, The Gatehouse is actively taking steps to implement the report’s key recommendations. We will be hosting a focus group with 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and needs. Additionally, we are updating our training resources and program materials to ensure greater representation, inclusive language, and identity-affirming practices across all levels of our service delivery. This collaboration reflects our ongoing dedication to creating safe, responsive, and empowering spaces for all survivors, especially those from communities that continue to face systemic barriers in accessing support. 2SLGBTQIA+ Peer Support Program Survey Snapshot 18 participants surveyed; diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. 33.3% said they would prefer a 2SLGBTQIA+-specific group;50% preferred mixed groups;16.7% were unsure. 58% said they did not receive follow-up resources or aftercare information. 78% made suggestions for increased inclusion, even if they felt generally supported. Peer Support Group Program Recommendations for Improvement The full report can be accessed —>Final Research Report (1) The Gatehouse remains deeply committed to providing trauma-informed, inclusive, and empowering peer support to all survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This collaborative research project with Humber Polytechnic students has highlighted both the meaningful impact of our programs and the opportunity to evolve further by addressing the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. By listening to survivor voices, reflecting on lived experiences, and embracing recommendations grounded in intersectionality and equity, we are taking actionable steps toward fostering safer, more representative spaces. The upcoming focus group, updates to facilitator training, and the integration of 2SLGBTQIA+-inclusive content into program materials are just the beginning. We are grateful to the participants, student researchers, and our wider community for their trust and insight. Together, we continue to build a future where every survivor feels seen, supported, and empowered in their healing journey. Thank you to the Humber Polytechnic student team for their invaluable work on this! If you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ community member who took part in a Gatehouse phase 1 program in the past and would like to submit feedback about your experience, please contact: Karen MacKeigan, Program Coordinator, Intakes & Phase 1, via email at karen@thegatehouse.org This research is critical in addressing a long-standing gap in literature and practice surrounding the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in peer support settings. Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community face disproportionately high rates of CSA and often experience additional barriers to accessing affirming, inclusive support. By centring their voices and lived experiences, this research highlights the need for trauma-informed, identity-affirming approaches that recognize and respond to the intersectional realities of gender, sexuality, race, and survivorship. The findings offer practical insights that can enhance program responsiveness, increase participant safety and comfort, and ensure that healing environments like The Gatehouse remain welcoming and effective for all survivors. The Gatehouse is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to providing peer support, education, and healing spaces for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Our work is made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. To support our efforts, you can make a donation, volunteer your time, sponsor a program or event, or share our mission with others. Every contribution helps us continue building safe, inclusive spaces where survivors, especially those from underserved communities like 2SLGBTQIA+, can be heard, supported, and empowered. Learn more or get involved by visiting www.thegatehouse.org/donate. Google Form Feedback Survey We’ve already hosted two focus groups to learn what you want in a support group, and now, we’re inviting even more voices to help shape this program. Are you or someone you know a 2SLGBTQIA+ survivor seeking peer support? Your input matters. Please take a moment to complete our short survey by Friday, July 25, 2025. Click the link to share your thoughts! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_dJnl2-sxRZUovIYlAmP0rwfJ-5SKrG3470eNsGbJIMKMkg/viewform?embedded=true Another great resource for 2SLGBTQIA+ support can be found here: https://www.the519.org/
Congratulations to the inspiring Executive Director of The Gatehouse – Maria Barcelos
We are thrilled to share that Maria Barcelos, Executive Director of The Gatehouse, has been named a 2025 inductee into the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame Award. This well-deserved honour recognizes Maria’s extraordinary dedication to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. Through her leadership at The Gatehouse, Maria has helped transform countless lives and has become a beacon of healing, hope, and resilience in our community and beyond. Maria will be honoured alongside other outstanding leaders at the induction ceremony on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Camões Square, 722 College Street, Toronto, beginning at 4:00 PM. The event is open to the public — we hope you’ll join in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Congratulations, Maria — your vision, compassion, and advocacy continue to inspire us all. Learn more about this award at https://portuguesecanadianwalkoffame.com/ Read the announcement in Bom Dia Europa With gratitude and pride,The Gatehouse Team
Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse in Canada
The prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a significant social issue that has long-lasting psychological, emotional, and physical consequences for survivors. Despite increased awareness and legal measures, CSA remains a pervasive problem worldwide, including in Canada. Prevalence and Impact Studies indicate that CSA affects a substantial number of children, with many cases going unreported due to fear, shame, or manipulation by perpetrators. Survivors often experience trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Early intervention and support are crucial in helping survivors recover and rebuild their lives. According to recent data, “The New Brunswick rates of sexual assault in children aged 12 to 17 have fluctuated since 2020, but in 2023 it was one of the highest in Canada — at 520 per 100,000. That’s compared to the national rate of about 383 per 100,000” (Awde, 2025). This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for continued efforts to prevent CSA and support survivors effectively. The largest proportion of persons accused of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (regardless of whether a victim was identified) was in Quebec (39%), followed by Ontario (32%) (Ibrahim, 2022). This data sheds light on regional trends within Canada, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and intervention efforts in these areas. Legal Protections in Canada Canada has implemented various legal frameworks to protect children from sexual abuse. The Criminal Code of Canada outlines strict penalties for offenses related to child exploitation, grooming, and assault. Additionally, mandatory reporting laws require professionals such as teachers and healthcare workers to report suspected abuse. Erin’s Law in Ontario A significant recent development in Ontario is the passing of Erin’s Law (Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Reporting), 2024, which amends the Education Act to ensure CSA prevention education in schools. The law mandates: The law also grants the Minister authority to regulate how CSA education is delivered and how information is provided to students, parents, and staff. Erin’s Law is set to take effect on September 1, 2024, marking a crucial step in strengthening CSA prevention efforts in Ontario schools (Jess, n.d.). Challenges and Advocacy Despite these protections, challenges remain in effectively preventing CSA. Many survivors face barriers in seeking justice due to stigma, fear of not being believed, or lengthy legal processes. Advocacy groups continue to push for stronger laws, better support services, and increased public education to address CSA more effectively. Organizations working in this field emphasize the importance of creating safe environments where children feel empowered to speak out against abuse. Addressing CSA requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal measures, education, and survivor-centered support systems. The implementation of Erin’s Law is a step in the right direction, but continued advocacy is essential to ensure comprehensive protections for children across Canada. By raising awareness and advocating for stronger protections, society can work towards reducing the prevalence of CSA and ensuring that survivors receive the justice and care they deserve.
Breaking the Silence: Challenges Men Face in Speaking Out about CSA
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a profoundly traumatic experience that leaves lasting impacts on survivors, regardless of gender. However, societal attitudes, stigmas, and misconceptions uniquely affect men who have experienced this form of trauma, often making it exceptionally difficult for them to come forward and seek help. Understanding these difficulties is essential to creating an environment where healing can truly begin. One of the greatest barriers men face when disclosing CSA is societal expectations rooted in gender norms. Men are often socialized to be strong, self-reliant, and emotionally resilient. From a young age, many boys learn that expressing vulnerability or admitting victimization is synonymous with weakness. This societal pressure contributes to a deep sense of shame and self-blame, discouraging men from speaking openly about their abuse. The stigma surrounding male victimization is prevalent and harmful in many ways. Society often holds stereotypical beliefs that men cannot be victims or that they must have somehow been complicit in their abuse. These harmful myths perpetuate feelings of isolation and self-doubt among male survivors, making them fear judgment, disbelief, or ridicule if they reveal their past experiences. Historically, support systems and resources for CSA survivors have been predominantly designed with female survivors in mind. While this attention is necessary and justified, it inadvertently leaves male survivors with fewer accessible services tailored to their specific needs. The lack of visible representation and acknowledgment can make men feel invisible or invalidated, further discouraging them from seeking help. Men who experience CSA often grapple with fears about how they will be perceived. Often, when men are coming forward to seek support at The Gatehouse, concerns about sexuality, masculinity, and identity frequently arise, creating internal conflicts and confusion. Many survivors worry that disclosure might lead others to question their sexual orientation or masculinity, leading to additional layers of anxiety and reluctance to speak out. Due to cultural conditioning, many men struggle to articulate emotions effectively. Childhood sexual abuse survivors often experience complex emotions like anger, guilt, and sadness. However, expressing these feelings can be challenging for men who have been discouraged from emotional openness. The lack of emotional vocabulary or fear of being overwhelmed by these feelings prevents many from engaging in therapeutic conversations essential for healing. Recognizing these barriers is the first step in fostering a supportive environment for male survivors of CSA. Encouraging open dialogue, raising public awareness, and developing male-specific support programs can significantly impact survivors’ willingness to seek help. It is essential to reinforce that vulnerability and strength are not mutually exclusive, and seeking help is a courageous act deserving of respect and empathy. The Gatehouse provides peer support groups for men, women, and all gender identities. Breaking the silence surrounding male childhood sexual abuse requires collective effort. By challenging harmful stereotypes, improving accessibility to resources, and promoting compassion and understanding, society can create safe spaces for male survivors to share their experiences and begin their healing journey. Every voice deserves to be heard, and every survivor deserves support, regardless of gender.
The Role of Community in Recovery
As survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), recovery is a deeply personal journey, but one of the most powerful forces that can help someone on that journey is the support of a community. The sense of belonging and the shared experiences within a community can provide the strength, hope, and encouragement needed to push through difficult moments. The Need for Connection Humans are inherently social creatures. We thrive in environments where we feel accepted, valued, and understood. This need for connection is no less important during healing. In fact, for many, it’s the foundation on which true healing is built. When someone is struggling with the symptoms of trauma as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) isolation often creeps in. The shame, guilt, and fear that come with these challenges can make individuals feel alone in their battle. The idea that no one else understands can lead to feelings of hopelessness. However, when someone enters a supportive community, they quickly realize they are not alone, and that’s a powerful shift. The Transformative Power of Community At The Gatehouse, the transformative power of community is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Witnessing survivors tear up when they hear the words “I believe you” underscores the immense strength it takes to fight for oneself, especially when they’ve been denied that belief by those who were meant to protect them. The journey to trust themselves, to open up to the support group process, is truly an honor to witness. Here, survivors realize they deserve better and are willing to do the work of moving from isolation, fear, and shame into connection, love, and joy. While simply showing up is the first step, the real work begins when people engage deeply with the community, and what’s even more remarkable is their determination to continue doing this work time and again. Starting something new is overwhelming for anyone, but for those walking up the five front steps of The Gatehouse—steps many describe as the hardest to take—it’s a courageous leap toward healing. What’s even more inspiring is that many who take that leap go on to thrive, some eventually becoming facilitators themselves. Community begets community, and in this shared space, we learn from one another. When one person steps into their power, it inspires others to keep going, showing them that they, too, can reach that place of empowerment. Witnessing the breakthroughs and successes of others, and celebrating those moments together, is a powerful reminder that no one is ever alone in their struggles or triumphs. This collective strength builds trust and reminds everyone that their worth is not tied to the easy times—they are always supported. A recent event at The Gatehouse that epitomizes community, has been participants creating an aftercare group to continue supporting one another, even after their formal group had ended. This is a true testament to the lasting impact of love, care, and community. The Importance of Community Whether here at The Gatehouse, or other peer-based programs, the importance of community in the healing journey cannot be overstated. When individuals find a place where they belong—where their experiences are validated, and their progress is celebrated—they gain the strength and courage to continue their journey. In these communities, healing becomes not just a personal endeavor, but a collective one. Together, people rise. If you or someone you know is embarking on a recovery journey, remember that reaching out to a community can be a powerful step toward healing. Stories of recovery are stories of hope, and often, they are stories of belonging. For more information about our peer support group programs, please visit https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services
Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference
15th Annual Transforming Trauma Into Triumph Conference Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Time: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Location: Humber College Lake Shore Campus The one-day conference hosted speakers with lived experience and professionals in various fields, including psychotherapy, social work, film, poetry, education, law enforcement, and journalism. Conference participants range in backgrounds, from survivors of childhood sexual abuse to post-secondary students, social service professionals, police officers, and community members joining to learn how they can better interact with and support those traumatized by childhood sexual abuse. Read the event report -> 2025 Conference Summary Report Transforming Trauma Conference The Objectives of the Event: Increased awareness of the impact of childhood sexual abuse, the resiliency of survivors, Increased knowledge of available services in the communities that support CSA survivors. Knowledge sharing and dissemination of wide-ranging viewpoints from victimization to criminal justice to healing and recovery from trauma. Collaboration between psychotherapists, mental health practitioners, victims of human trafficking, and those who have experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse sharing their healing journeys. Why this event? 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted at some time in their lives. The Gatehouse is a leader in the field of addressing childhood sexual abuse trauma. Survivors of sexual abuse are in desperate need of our support and services, and we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund and expand our programs. Survivors learn to regain their voice in peer support settings, which facilitate positive coping techniques to address the anxiety, nightmares, and depression resulting from childhood sexual abuse. This conference would not be possible without the collective effort of many. To our wonderful guest speakers and the dedicated Gatehouse staff, thank you for your passion and commitment. To our placement students, thank you for your hard work in helping set up and support today’s event—your contributions do not go unnoticed. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Erin Alexandra and Jasmine Lem for your wonderful efforts in helping with this event. Your vision, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence have helped bring this meaningful gathering to life. Thank you to Paula Cordeiro, Karen MacKeigan, Stewart Thompson, and our summer students who helped make this event a wonderful success including: Omid Ghafari, Hannah Rossi, Chi Yan Kwong, Avnie Agnihotri, Martha Sandoval, Nathalie Cousineau, Douglas Andrade, Riya Macwan, Stella Sarfo, Sreelakshmi Nadarajan, Sakshi Krishna, and Anna Antonova. Thank you to Humber College and your wonderful staff, Sonia Rodrigues, who helped coordinate the booking of space, and Katie Evans, Manager, Campus Dining & Retail Services and all catering staff. Questions? Contact: Erin Alexandra, erin@thegatehouse.org, Communications Assistant, The Gatehouse