If you or a loved one is in an abusive situation (see Abuse: The Facts),
help is just a phone call away. For residents of Gainesville and Hall
County, Gateway Domestic Violence Center offers free, private help for
victims of domestic violence. We also work with law enforcement, the
courts, and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to
arrange services for victims.
(If you live outside Hall County, call the Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline at
1-800-33-HAVEN or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.)
OUR SERVICES
The services available through Gateway Domestic Violence Center include:
Shelter:
Gateway Domestic Violence Center is a private, non-profit facility. There
is no cost for shelter or any service we offer, and victims do not have to
be sheltered here to use our services. During a woman's stay, we supply food,
medicine, clothing, and personal items for you and your children, in addition
to complete support services.
24-Hour Crisis Line (770-536-5860):
Call this number any time, day or night, to speak to trained staff about
the shelter and our services. We provide information and referrals for
legal help, counseling, medical treatment, housing, and special concerns
for children.
Counseling:
We offer individual and suport-group counseling for victims of domestic
violence, as well as referrals for other counseling needs. Staff and
volunteers provide childcare or children's group meetings during
counseling sessions.
Children's Program:
At least 50% of children entering shelters have been physically abused
themselves. Gateway House offers group meetings for children that
include learning activities to build self-esteem and explore the
emotions they experience. Our trained staff and volunteers lead the
sessions and work with the children's mother to discuss their needs,
help with medical and school arrangements, and help children adjust to
a new environment.
Women's Advocacy and Referral Services:
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the changes, emotions, and
decisions involved in entering a shelter and freeing yourself from an
abusive situation. Gateway House's Women's Advocate can help you
understand your situation and create a plan for your new life.
Court and Legal Advocacy:
We tell you about your legal rights and options, refer you to attorneys
and other resources, explain the court process, and go with you to
court. Contact the Legal Advocacy Office at 770-531-7153.
Life Skills Training:
This is a series of 12 self-contained classes that address practical
issues for staying safe and surviving in a changing environment. You
can attend the classes (Thursday evening) in any order and receive a
study manual of resources and a certificate of completion at the end of
the series.
Community Outreach Program:
Gateway Domestic Violence Center
provides training and education for schools, colleges, churches, civic
organizations, and other groups. We discuss the dynamics of abuse, the
needs of battered women and their children, and the services
Gateway Domestic Violence Center provides. Learn more on the
Community Education page.
Public School Curriculum Program:
We also provide special education programs for schools, law-enforcement
and social-service agencies, courts, churches, civic organizations, and
many other groups.
Volunteer Program:
Gateway Domestic Violence Center
has always relied on our dedicated volunteers to help families in
crisis. We provide training in leading children's groups, child care,
tutoring, general office duties, mailings, and other tasks. Learn more
on the How You Can Help page.
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