On Friday 10 December 2021 (International Human Rights Day), IEU Organiser Ann-Maree McEwan attended the launch of A new model of care for women experiencing trauma from domestic, family and sexual violence at the Women’s Health Centre in Warilla, near Port Kembla.
The report outlines research conducted by the centre and by researchers from the University of NSW. It includes a survey of women with lived experience of what works in recovery and healing, as well as input from professionals and representatives from domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) organisations.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is proposing to design a Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre to offer comprehensive crisis help and long-term care.
The physical, financial and physiological impacts of domestic abuse continue long after the violence has ended. So many women carry complex trauma with them without the resources or assistance to recover.
The new centre will support women holistically to rebuild their lives. It is an Australian initiative, the first of its kind.
The launch was followed by a roundtable including Labor Senator Jenny McAllister and stakeholders from the DFSV sector. The IEU was invited to join the roundtable.
IEU Organiser and South Coast Labour Council President Tina Smith raised $2000 at a South Coast 'We Won’t Wait!' event, all part of the 16 Days of Action push for paid family and domestic violence leave.
This money will be donated to the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and Nowra Homeless Hub.
Congratulations to General Manager Sally Stevenson and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre on this report and the important work they do.
To download a PDF of the report, go to: womenshealthcentre.com.au/womens-trauma-recovery-centre/