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At the Aurora Municipal Court, Gateway houses a Court Advocacy Program
(CAP) that provides victims of domestic violence with emotional
support, information on their legal options and court processes -
giving women the resources they need to make positive legal choices and
a much-needed voice within the Criminal Justice System.
Advocates
Our advocates offer referrals, safety planning, crisis intervention and
emergency services ( cell phones for 911). Although the program is in a
Criminal Court setting, victims also receive information on civil court
matters such a restraining orders, child-support enforcement,
divorce/separation, immigration, victim compensation and other
pertinent matters. Information on how to access victim compensation is
provided as well. Advocates work one-on-one with the direct victims in
the case and their children. We also provide a comfortable space for
them to be while at court, including a special children's area with all
the comforts of home.
All domestic violence cases at the Aurora Municipal Court are directed to our program.
Access without Barriers
All the services of our Court Advocacy Program are also provided for
our Spanish-speaking and hearing-impaired clients. When the need to
work in another language arises, we make all the necessary arrangements
to be able to overcome any language barrier in providing court
advocacy.
Sharing our Expertise
Gateway is a training resource in matters of domestic violence for
judges, prosecutors and probation officers. City attorneys network
regularly with our staff when considering unusual dispositions.
Additionally, judges invite the victims' input at sentencing and
Gateway facilities the process. By bringing our expertise to
authorities that can effect change publicly, our efforts to end abuse
are widened.
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I chose to work in the domestic violence movement after I did a class
project. For the project I interviewed a Gateway counselor about the
services provided. I was so impressed with what Gateway did to help
women and children, that when it came time for my internship I chose
Gateway. I have been helping out ever since.
-Amber Garrison-Ahmed
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Our Services 
