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.

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 yoga.

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.

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.

How to contact us

• [email protected]
• 02 4243 9800
• 1/6 Benson Ave, Shellharbour NSW 2529
• Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm