Women escaping family, domestic and sexual violence in the Illawarra will now have access to crucial new support, with the opening of a landmark healing and recovery centre.
Located in Shellharbour, the Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre was made possible by a $25 million investment. The Centre was co‑designed by women with lived experience and will provide specialised support to victim-survivors of family, domestic or sexual violence.
The Albanese Labor Government's National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 recognises how vital recovery and healing are in breaking the cycle of violence.
The Centre uses a wrap-around approach to support women to live independent and secure lives after family, domestic or sexual violence. It provides specialised support to women as long as needed, including mental health, financial, legal and casework support.
This long-term approach recognises that healing and recovery requires support beyond any initial crisis response. The Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre will give victim-survivors in the Illawarra area a stable foundation to rebuild their lives, including to heal from mental, emotional and physical wounds, and reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP:
"Long after physical wounds heal the impact of family, domestic or sexual violence on a woman's emotional and mental health often remains. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are common, and can last for many many years.
"This crucial service continues to support women after the initial crisis. The support continues to wrap around women and gives them the safety and the support to start again."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot MP:
"Trauma recovery and safe healing are vital for supporting victim-survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse.
"The Illawarra Women's Health Centre has been at the forefront of work in this space, and this Australian-first, community-led centre will provide critical long-term support to women and children in the region."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Financial Services and Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones MP:
"Providing women with access to trauma-informed support is at the heart of the Albanese Government's commitment to end violence against women within one generation.
"The Women's Trauma Recovery Centre will provide women in the Illawarra with the best possible support to ensure victim-survivors can rebuild their lives on their own accord.
"Our Government will always be committed to building strong supports for victims of domestic violence in ways that best reflect what they need to get back on their feet."
Quotes attributable Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:
"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ending violence against women and children within one generation.
"Women's safety is an absolute priority, and I'm proud to see in our backyard, an Australia first centre providing trauma-informed support to help women recover from the physical, emotional, psychological and financial impacts of violence.
"Adopting trauma-informed practices can help to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and health outcomes for our local women in the region."
