The Salvation Army in British Columbia is determined to provide support and restoration to women who have been rescued from slavery in human sexual trafficking.
Welcome to Deborah’s Gate
Recently opening for service in December, 2009, Deborah’s Gate is a safe house program that is already working with women who have been rescued by authorities from human trafficking.
At Deborah’s Gate women are safe and welcomed with warm & caring staff in a confidential location. Survivors of human sexual trafficking—women who have been held against their will and sexually exploited—are provided with supportive recovery in a dignified and nonjudgmental environment.
Deborah’s Gate strives to provide safe and supportive shelter for women experiencing sexual, physical, emotional and/or psychological violence in their lives as a result of sexual exploitation.
Programs & Services offered at Deborah’s Gate
Deborah’s Gate offers programs and services to support self-awareness, self-reliance, and self-esteem in both individual and group settings. Support workers facilitate a process of growth and healing, encouraging women to trust their intuition, to talk about their experience and to discover their power.
Programs and services provided include:
Chaplaincy * Spiritual Development * ESL Services * Literacy Development * Life Skills Development * Support Groups * Volunteer Opportunities
Deborah’s Gate Offers Community Connections to Confidential Professional Services:
Medical Care * Dental Care * Addiction Services * Immigration * Refugee * Pro Bono Legal Services * Transitional Housing * Employment * Translation * Trauma Counseling
Why is it called Deborah’s Gate?
DEBORAH is representative of the Biblical figure Deborah (Judges 4 & 5). Deborah was a highly respected leader of the nation of Israel. Under her leadership and ministry, Israel experienced peace for forty years.
The GATE represents an entranceway or passageway to a place of refuge and safety. It also marks a point of transition from a hostile world into a place of community and fellowship. Perhaps as important, a gate also blocks access to predators. Thus, all who come through the GATE or doors of this program will enter into a place of community; a safe place; a place of peace and refuge, where compassion is dispensed and justice is sought.
Our Purpose
A place of safety – A safe house that protects sexually exploited women
A place of freedom – Where women can self identify & choose a better life
A place of relaxation – A private room & calming atmosphere to rest and recover
A place of comfort– Each woman can find peace & solidarity
A place of healing – To restore, rejuvenate, and to learn how to re-connect with your inner self and other women in similar situations in order to regain control of your own lives.
A place of support – Caring staff that can assist with bridging women to Confidential Community Services