Our specialist workers are available to provide practical help and support to women who are experiencing or have previously experienced domestic, family and/or sexual violence and are ready to heal and recover from the violence and abuse.
Our service works with you to identify and meet their individual needs and goals.
Our caseworkers have knowledge of the services, programs and resources available throughout the Illawarra region. They can help with applications and referrals and advocate on your behalf.
The team can provide the following free services:
Please note we are not a crisis service; for urgent assistance, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Police on 000.
We provide free trauma and violence-informed counselling through a strength-based, feminist and client-centred approach to support women in healing and recovering from domestic, family and sexual violence.
Our qualified and experienced counsellors offer face-to-face and telephone counselling for as long as you need it.
You can also book in with our Therapy Dog, Dusty.
After a request for counselling, our Intake Coordinator will contact you by phone for a private and confidential conversation about the support you need.
If you are from an organisation or agency and would like to refer a client, please download and complete our Interagency Referral Form and email it to intake@womenstrc.com.au.
Please note we are not a crisis service; for urgent assistance, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Police on 000.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has partnered with The Zahra Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that supports women impacted by domestic and family abuse, providing free programs, services, education and grants promoting economic well-being and empowering participants to build a life that is free from poverty and abuse.
A qualified and accredited Financial Counsellor is available on-site to support women who may be experiencing financial debt or hardship or are simply concerned that ‘something is not right’ by providing the following services:
To meet with our Financial Counsellor at the Centre, contact us to book an appointment.
Appointments are private and confidential.
We provide a range of free healing therapies tailored to your specific needs in a safe, supportive and empowering environment in the Centre.
Our list of therapies will continue to grow as we build new partnerships.
Our qualified and experienced trauma-informed massage therapist supports women to reconnect with their bodies and promotes healing by relieving tension and resetting the nervous system.
The practice nurtures self-connection, fosters mindfulness and breathing techniques and restores empowerment.
The Centre offers a range of massage techniques, including:
Contact us to book an appointment.
We’ve partnered with the Yoga Foundation who deliver specialised yoga programs to people impacted by mental health issues, trauma and adversity. This is an 8-week program.
These free weekly sessions will run every Friday at our Centre in Shellharbour from 1pm to 2pm.
When: Friday, February 6 to Friday, March 27. From 1pm to 2pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
During our free Movement for Mental Health Group, you’ll explore the powerful relationship between your mind and body. You can participate while sitting, standing, or lying down. It will include transformative practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and biofeedback.
When: Every Tuesday from 10am to 11am.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Our free self-care group meets weekly in a quiet room in the Centre.
During the session, you will discover the different elements of self-care and explore some of the barriers and benefits of self-care.
When: Every Wednesday from 10am to 11am.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Our free walking group meets weekly and provides a simple yet powerful way to boost your health, get some fresh air, and connect with others.
Our walks suit all fitness levels and are a perfect way to reconnect with nature.
You may also be joined by our Therapy Dog Dusty.
When: Every Friday, from 10am to 11am.
Our Self-Compassion Workshop is designed to help you embrace self-kindness and resilience. Delivered in a nurturing environment by trauma and violence-informed specialists, it will teach you how to cultivate kindness toward yourself.
When: Every Tuesday from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Join Alex at our plot at Dapto Community Farm where we’re growing all types of fruit and vegetables.
It’s a chance to connect with nature in a beautiful part of the Illawarra.
When: Thursdays at 9.30am to 11.30am.
Where: Dapto Community Farm
The Centre offers free aromatherapy workshops for those who want to learn how to make their own creams and balms.
When: Tuesdays at 1.30pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
Music can be healing, grounding and joyous. Join a small group of women singing songs together in a free, soothing, fun community activity.
No experience is necessary. This is a safe group where there is no judgment.
When: Every Monday from 11am to 12pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Designed by and for women with lived experience, this supportive program offers a gentle, creative space to begin building a kinder relationship with your body.
The workshop, led by Malika Reese and held at the Centre in Shellharbour, draws from Malika’s healing journey.
When: Every Monday from 12.30pm to 2pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Our Older Women’s Peer Support Circle is facilitated by experienced social worker, Melissa Brown who brings deep expertise in counselling to the circle. We welcome women aged over 50, who have experienced or are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
When: Monthly on Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Discover how drawing, painting, and crafting can help soothe the mind with our art group.
Materials are provided, and the sessions are open to women of all skill levels – including beginners.
No experience is necessary. This is a safe group with no judgment.
When: Every Thursday from 10am to 12pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Zeynep Testoni, the owner of Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong, facilitates this fortnightly workshop, where she shares the power of clay as a self-care tool.
When: Fortnightly, Tuesdays at 12.30pm to 2pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
Learn how to sew, or dust off your thimble and needle and join our stitching circle.
When: Wednesdays at 12.30pm to 2,30pm.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
Watch out for details of this monthly baking session in our kitchen. Contact us on 4243 9800 for more information.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
Watch out for details of this monthly baking session in our kitchen. Contact us on 4243 9800 for more information.
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
We have partnered with employment experts from Sureway. Their support worker can help you achieve your employment goals.
They can provide support with:
To meet with an expert at the Centre, contact us to book an appointment.
You can meet with a Community Engagement Officer from Services Australia in the Centre who can support you in accessing information, payments and services.
Contact us to book an appointment.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Bereavement Counselling Service will be holding two sessions on Bereavement.
What: Imagery for Centering and Support
When: Wednesday, February 11 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
AND
What: Grief education and information
When: Wednesday, March 11 from 12.30pm to 3pm
Where: Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
