What to expect during your first conversation with the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre
For many women, the hardest part of seeking support isn’t deciding to reach out but feeling unsure about what will happen next. Questions about what will be asked, who will be involved, and how the information will be used can cause worry and confusion. This article aims to clarify what to expect when you first […]
Illawarra records 15 coercive control cases as new NSW data reveals slow path to charges
Fifteen incidents of coercive control have been reported to police across the Illawarra in the first year since NSW criminalised the behaviour, with new figures exposing both increasing recognition of the abuse and the challenge of turning reports into charges. The latest monitoring report from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows 386 […]
How paid family and domestic violence leave works – and what’s stopping women from using it
Two years after Australia introduced 10 days of paid family and domestic violence (FDV) leave, research shows many workplaces still aren’t set up to support people to use it safely. The leave, introduced in 2023 under the National Employment Standards, is designed to help workers experiencing family or domestic violence maintain their employment and financial […]
Call to strengthen domestic, family and sexual violence services as Illawarra records 1,120 assaults
The Illawarra recorded 1,120 domestic violence assaults in the year to September 2025, as specialist services across NSW warn women and children are being left waiting for help, with average delays of up to two months reported for people seeking domestic and family violence support. Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), the peak body for specialist DFV […]
Study reveals hidden brain injury impacts of intimate partner violence
A new Australian study has found that repeated head injuries and strangulation during intimate partner violence can lead to long-term memory and learning difficulties for women. The peer-reviewed research, led by Monash University and published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, compared the thinking and memory skills of women with no history of partner violence to […]
New digital alert pilot aims to improve safety for victim-survivors
A new digital service designed to keep victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence safe and informed is being trialled in New South Wales. DV Notify sends real-time text and email alerts to victim-survivors when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody. Notifications begin at the point of arrest and continue through key court milestones, […]
Eight tips from our team on finding self-compassion this festive season
For many people, the festive season can be particularly challenging, especially for those who have experienced trauma, violence, loss, or major life changes. While this time of year is often portrayed as joyful and connected, it can also activate memories, emotional responses, and feelings of vulnerability that are closely linked to trauma. According to the […]
Where to get support in the Illawarra over the Christmas break
The team at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will be taking a break from December 19 and reopening with fresh new year energy on Monday, January 5. While our services are closed, we know the Christmas season can be a difficult time for many people experiencing loneliness, homelessness, domestic, family and sexual violence, or […]
New CEO Elise Phillips to lead Illawarra’s Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre into next phase
Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has appointed Elise Phillips as its new CEO, bringing more than 15 years’ experience across counselling, leadership and systems advocacy in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector. Growing up in Towradgi and studying at the University of Wollongong, Ms Phillips has built a career grounded in community and relationships, […]
How new training will support older women facing domestic, family and sexual violence
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has welcomed the rollout of new frontline training resources to help workers identify and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence against older women. A sharp rise in violence against older women and women with disability has prompted the new frontline initiative across NSW, and was unveiled during the […]