The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre offers a transformative new model of care for women affected by domestic, family, or sexual violence (DFSV).
Our Centre is designed to be a safe and supportive space where women can heal, rebuild their lives, and access free, comprehensive services under one roof. By addressing the long-term impacts of trauma through a holistic approach, the Centre aims to break cycles of violence and create lasting change.
Our approach perhaps sounds obvious, but while many organisations and agencies are undertaking good work to support women, our research unveiled the gaps left by traditionally siloed support systems.
Our model is based on a co-design report developed in partnership with the School of Population Health at the University of New South Wales. The report incorporates insights from women with lived experience of DFSV and experts in the field, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to recovery.
“You cannot work on one issue in isolation,” said one interviewee. “Which is what I see happening quite a lot in the mainstream. It’s just the way how they organise themselves into bureaucratic silos. And so oftentimes people are in the mental health system, but no one is asking if there’s domestic violence.”
The report also emphasised the importance of addressing foundational needs, such as housing, finances, and legal support, to create stability for women navigating their recovery journey.
“The legal side is really important. Housing creates stability. Good relationships create stability. Stable finances create stability,” said one woman.
“You get some of those right and all those other things will kind of fall into place because you have the mindset and you’re relaxed enough to be able to problem solve.”
Women interviewed during the co-design process underscored the urgency and complexity of trauma recovery.
“I can’t recover from the abuse I experienced as an adult if I haven’t recovered from the abuse I experienced as a child. One is the blueprint for the other, in a way,” said one participant.
Another highlighted the challenges of re-entering the workforce: “How can we get employment services to offer opportunities for women who have been out of work for 20 years?”
The report authored by Dr Paticia Cullen, Rachel Baffsky, Natasha Walker and executive director of Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, Sally Stevenson, lays the foundations for the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre.
Centre CEO Maree Kerr said: “The model of care we use was co-designed by women who have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence and recognises the need for care to go beyond crisis intervention to address the long-term traumatic impact of domestic, family and sexual violence and abuse.
“By investing in the safety, health, and healing of women, the Centre works toward breaking cycles of violence and abuse to prevent intergenerational transmission of trauma, and we do this under one roof.
“We’ve brought together a team of experienced practitioners to provide a program of healing support services, community groups and practical services, including counselling, massage therapy, music groups and self-compassion workshops.”
Find out more about our services and how our team can support you by contacting us.
