The Women's Trauma Recovery Centre reception. Picture includes the reception desk and book shelf.
The Women's Trauma Recovery Centre reception. Picture includes the reception desk and book shelf.
The Women's Trauma Recovery Centre reception.

What is the Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre?

The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a place for women to heal and rebuild their lives if they have or are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.

Our range of services supports women in living secure and independent lives.

Our Centre offers a variety of free healing, practical and connected support services under one roof at our unique and specialised women-only space in Shellharbour.

 Please note we are not a crisis service; for urgent assistance, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Police on 000.

How can we support you?

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.

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How you can access our services

You can self-refer (by calling us or dropping into the Centre), or a GP, health provider or other community support provider can refer you if you are or have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence.

Please get in touch with us for a confidential conversation about your needs.

Once you contact us, our Intake Officer will call you.

Please allow 45 minutes for this conversation and make sure you have a safe, quiet space.

If we see that our Centre can offer you the support you need, we can arrange for you to book an appointment with our team.

Do you want to make a referral? 

If you are from an organisation or agency and would like to refer a client, please contact us to check eligibility and suitability.

Email us here.

The Illawarra Women's Trauma Centre reception area.
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What you can expect

All our services are free and are led by women in our fit-for-purpose space in Shellharbour. 

Many women visit the Centre for counselling, but we can offer a wide variety of services to support you, including practical support for domestic, family and sexual violence, legal advice, financial counselling, NDIS and Centrelink help, healing support services like massage and aromatherapy, and employment guidance. 

We know how important it is to build community and connection, and we have a variety of social groups to help women feel supported, including our walking, music, arts and crafts and board games. 

When you arrive

As you arrive at the Centre, you’ll sign in at our reception and will be asked to wait in our comfortable waiting area. 

You will then be invited into one of our consultation rooms. 

If you have children, you can be seen in our specially designed room, which has a view into our safe playroom to allow you to keep an eye on your little ones.

How you can support us

With your support The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre can continue to expand services for women to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. 

You can support us in many ways – by partnering with us on an initiative or event, fundraising on our behalf or by providing a donation.

You can also follow and share our content on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Contact us for more information.