New program supports people recovering from family, domestic and sexual violence

People who have experienced family, domestic or sexual violence can now seek help from a new South Western Sydney PHN-funded service which aims to provide victim-survivors with access to services to support their long-term recovery.

Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney began service delivery of the key mental health component of the Supporting Recovery from Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program earlier this month.

SWSPHN is one of six PHNs across the country funding services as part of the $67 million Department of Health and Aged Care program.

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said the new service was not for people in crisis, but for those needing access to longer term recovery and healing support.

“This program aims to fill a gap in services for victim-survivors of family, domestic or sexual violence. Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney will work with existing services which provide short-term and crisis support, to ensure the thousands of people affected by domestic violence-related assault in our region have every support they need to get back on their feet.”

Anglicare Chief Executive Community and Mission, Andrew Ford, said Anglicare had worked alongside victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence across a wide range of communities for many years.

“That experience shows us again and again the journey toward healing and recovery can take time,” he said.

“We are committed to delivering culturally appropriate services which have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, which are accessible, inclusive and available at no cost for a period up to two years. These are the long-term supports which are crucial to supporting victim-survivors in their journey to recovery.”

CatholicCare Sydney Executive Director of Children and Family Services, Kate Dover, said it took enormous courage to seek support.

“We also know that one size does not fit all when it comes to navigating the complex intersections faced by victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence,” she said.

“The Supporting Recovery program is about providing tailored and ongoing support to each individual to find a way to heal and thrive.”

“CatholicCare Sydney has a long-standing presence in South Western Sydney, with strong community ties and we are committed to providing the trauma support this community desperately needs.”

There were about 5,200 domestic violence-related assault offences across South Western Sydney from July 2022 to June 2023 (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research).

Services are initially being delivered from hubs based in the Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield communities due to higher rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in those local government areas (LGAs).

However, services may be expanded across Bankstown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs based on need and demand. 

The Supporting Recovery program includes access to:

• a Local Care Team to help clients coordinate and manage their recovery journey, including connecting clients with a range of other services such as legal, financial and housing supports
• trained psychologists, social workers and counsellors who specialise in providing trauma-informed and client-centred mental healthcare
• holistic, culturally appropriate mental health services which are available at no cost for a period up to two years.

Clients do not need a doctor’s referral. They can access the service by calling 1300 316 554 or going online and completing a self-referral.

Local Care Teams which provide assessment, case management and care coordination are another key component of the program. SWSPHN is in the process of commissioning a supplier to deliver the LCT component of the program in South Western Sydney.

The Supporting Recovery program was officially launched at a special event a Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on Wednesday, 1 May.

Contact: 

Lauren White, Head of Communications
lauren.white@anglicare.org.au