Survivors share stories of healing through art at Shellharbour Civic Centre Exhibition

The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre will open a month-long public exhibition at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday, August 3, showcasing artworks created by women participating in its healing programs. Running until Friday, August 28, the We Are exhibition brings together a collection of paintings, clay, stitching, and mixed-media works developed through therapeutic group […]
“We know what works”: Domestic, family violence services call for investment, not disruption

We know what works. The issue is not that the system is broken – it’s that it’s under significant pressure.
New guidebook launched to support women recovering from domestic, family and sexual violence

The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has introduced a new Client Guidebook aimed at improving access, understanding and support for women recovering and healing from domestic, family and sexual violence. The guidebook provides a clear overview of the Centre’s services, values and expectations, and is a key resource for clients at all stages of their […]
How movement is supporting healing at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre

Movement is increasingly recognised as a key part of trauma recovery, which is reflected in the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s expanded movement programs. Research in trauma and neuroscience shows that trauma is not only processed cognitively but also experienced in the body, influencing how the nervous system responds to stress and safety. Gentle, guided […]
How to show self-compassion during times of shared grief

At the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, we hold space for the emotional, physical and spiritual impacts of living in a world during times of global conflict. War and violence touch women’s lives in ways that echo through our bodies, families and communities. Even when we are far from the conflict, we may feel the […]
Why Domestic Violence Support Services Matter for Multicultural Women

For many women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, reaching out for help after experiencing domestic or family violence can feel overwhelming. Language barriers, cultural expectations and fear of community judgement can all make that first step incredibly difficult. It’s something Mariette Mikhael understands well. As the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s multicultural domestic, family […]
Helping women recovering from domestic, family and sexual violence to build financial stability

For women recovering from domestic, family and sexual violence, achieving financial stability can be a critical part of building strong foundations for a future where they have greater choice, independence and opportunity. That’s where Tiffany McCormick, the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s Financial Capability Worker, plays an important role. The service is delivered in partnership […]
New Healing in Nature program launches at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre

A new nature-based healing program launching this April will offer women who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence a chance to slow down, reconnect, and support their recovery in a calm outdoor setting. The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is launching its Healing in Nature program. Led by psychologist Dr Rachel Yerbury, the program […]
Five things we learned about coercive control from the world premiere of Life Could Be A Dream

A packed house at Gala Cinema Warrawong marked the world premiere of Life Could Be a Dream, a new Australian film exploring coercive control. The screening raised funds for the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre and took a first look at the film with a candid Q&A with the cast and creatives, offering insight into […]
Powerful new Australian film premieres in Warrawong for Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre fundraiser

A powerful new Australian film exploring resilience, survival and the courage to rebuild will premiere in the Illawarra this month, with the community invited to a special fundraising screening in support of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre. An exclusive early preview of Life Could Be a Dream will screen at Gala Cinema Warrawong on […]