Trigger warning: The following blog contains information about sexual and domestic and family violence which may cause distress.   

Tragically, there were about 5,200 domestic violence-related assault offences across South Western Sydney from July 2022 to June 2023, with Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield having the highest representation. 

The Supporting Recovery from Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive support services for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence in South Western Sydney. 

South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) has been funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver the pilot program, which aims to fill a gap in access to mental health recovery services. It will also work alongside existing services already in place providing short-term and crisis support services. 

What supports are available through the program? 

The Supporting Recovery Program provides trauma-informed long-term recovery care for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence. 

Anglicare and CatholicCare began delivering mental health support in May 2024, and SWSPHN has now commissioned The Benevolent Society to provide the Local Care Team (LCT) component.  

Roweena Moffatt (pictured below), Manager for the Centre for Women’s, Children’s and Family Health at The Benevolent Society, says: “This program will increase access to appropriate and longer-term support for people affected by domestic family and sexual violence in South Western Sydney. Supporting Recovery LCT will provide interventions and support that address the devastating and complex effects of DFSV for victim-survivors." 

The program includes access to: 

• A Local Care Team to coordinate and manage your recovery journey, connecting you with a range of other services such as legal, financial and housing. 
• Trained psychologists, social workers and counsellors who specialise in providing trauma-informed and client-centred mental healthcare. 
• Holistic, culturally appropriate mental health services. 
  
  

Local Care Teams 

Local Care Teams (LCT) provide assessment, case management and care coordination.  
The LCT will focus on receiving referrals, providing case and care management to victim-survivors, and referring them to necessary social services, including psychological therapies. 

“Your first point of contact is the Local Care Team who will help coordinate and manage your recovery journey,” Roweena adds. 

“They will connect you with an experienced counsellor or mental health practitioner who will work with you to support your recovery journey using evidence-based therapies. The Local Care Team will provide case management support and help to identify and connect you with a range of other services such as legal, financial and housing supports.” 

What is family, domestic and sexual violence? 

Family, domestic and sexual violence affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds. 

“It is when someone uses violence, abuse or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone they’re related to by family connection or intimate relationship,” Roweena explains. “Types of abuse can include physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and coercive control. 

“It can cause physical injury, psychological trauma, mental ill-health and or emotional suffering. The impact of this trauma may be obvious immediately or it may take years to surface.” 

Who is the program for? 

The program is open to people in South Western Sydney who have been impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence, and need help accessing services to support their long-term recovery and healing. 

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.  

“Supporting Recovery welcomes people of all identities,” Roweena says. “Your care and support, as well as your physical, emotional and cultural safety will be a priority. You will have choice over the supports you receive and your opinions will be heard every step of your recovery journey. 

“Your recovery and healing will be the focus of all contact you have with your care team.” 
 

Will I have to pay anything? 

Supporting Recovery is a free program – you will not have to pay at any time and have access to up to two years of support. 

For more information on the Supporting Recovery Program, visit the website supportingrecovery.org.au or call 1300 316 554. 

If you are currently experiencing domestic violence and need crisis support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000.