Illawarra trauma centre closes waitlist as domestic violence cases surge
Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre closed its waiting list after demand grew to three-month waits.
The Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre stopped accepting new referrals when waiting times hit three months. Demand from women and children seeking help after family violence grew too high.
Domestic violence cases in the Illawarra have surged 10 per cent in two years, from 1,132 incidents to 1,245, meaning more than three attacks every day. The region now records the state's second-highest increase, behind Ryde.
CEO Elise Phillips said waiting three months or more is just not good for women and their wellbeing. More than 300 domestic violence assaults occur daily across NSW, creating a statewide crisis in support services.
- 3 months
- Wait time
- 10 percent (1,132 to 1,245 incidents)
- Two-year increase
- More than 3
- Daily incidents in region
Why it mattersWomen fleeing violence cannot get specialist trauma help when they need it most, leaving them isolated and at higher risk.
AustraliaNSW domestic violence services are overwhelmed statewide, with the Illawarra among the hardest-hit regions, forcing specialist centres to close to new cases.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago
