At Women’s Health Northern Rivers, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed support for women who are experiencing or recovering from domestic, family, or sexual violence. Our services are designed to empower women, promote safety, and support healing.
Please note: We are not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 or contact one of the 24/7 crisis services listed below.
Specialist counselling for women experiencing or recovering from domestic and family violence
Ongoing emotional support in a non-judgmental environment
The Shark Cage Group Program is an 8-week therapeutic group designed for women who have experienced any kind of gender-based violence or abuse. It provides a safe, supportive space to explore the impacts of abuse, reconnect with personal strengths, and learn practical tools for healing and empowerment.
What is the Shark Cage?
The program is based on the Shark Cage™ framework, a trauma-informed model developed to help women understand how their rights and boundaries may have been violated – and how to rebuild them. The “shark cage” is a metaphor for a woman’s right to safety and respect. When the cage is strong, it keeps the “sharks” (those who violate boundaries) out.
What You’ll Gain
Over the course of 8 weeks, participants are gently guided through a series of topics and activities that help them:
Understand the impact of abuse on the brain, body, and sense of self
Who Is This Program For?
The Shark Cage Group is for women aged 18 and over who:
Have experienced any form of gender-based violence or coercive control
Why It Works?
The Shark Cage model is grounded in trauma-informed care, meaning it recognises the effects of trauma and prioritises emotional safety, choice, and empowerment. Many women who complete the program report feeling more confident, more in control of their lives, and better equipped to protect their rights and wellbeing.
The Pathways Program is a pioneering, trauma-informed initiative designed specifically for women who have experienced physical violence such as being hit on the head, shaken with force or held in a way where they could not breathe (choked/suffocated/strangled).
Sometimes, after a traumatic event, a woman might not have visible injuries – but she may still feel “not quite right.”
You might notice:
These types of injuries are often invisible – but their effects can be serious and long-lasting. Many women experience symptoms that are misunderstood or misdiagnosed as mental health issues, when in fact they may be signs of neurological injury.
Bridging a Critical Gap in Care
Until now, there has been a significant gap in services for women affected by these types of injuries in the Northern Rivers. The Pathways Program addresses this by offering coordinated support from a multidisciplinary team of health professionals who understand the unique impacts of head injury and strangulation in the context of trauma.
Our team includes:
Together, this team works with you to understand what’s going on in your body and brain, and to create a plan that supports your recovery and wellbeing.
You are not imagining it. If you’ve experienced violence and are feeling “off,” confused, or overwhelmed, the Pathways Program is here to help you understand what’s happening – and help you to access the support that you need.
Call (02) 6621 9800, visit our centre or use our Request for Service Form below.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is for women aged 18 and over who:
You do not need a formal diagnosis or referral to access the program. We welcome self-referrals and also work closely with service providers to ensure women are connected to the care they need.
What You Can Expect
The Pathways Program is designed to be supportive, respectful, and empowering. We understand that every woman’s experience is different, and we tailor our support to meet your needs. Services may include:
1800RESPECT
24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling
1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au
NSW Domestic Violence Line
24/7 support and referrals
1800 656 463 | facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence
Full Stop Australia
24/7 trauma counselling
1800 385 578 | fullstop.org.au
Link2Home
Emergency accommodation and homelessness support
1800 152 152 | facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help
Legal Aid NSW
Domestic Violence Unit
1300 888 529 | legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Women’s Health Northern Rivers acknowledges the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and play.
We pay deep respect to Elders past and present, and honour the leadership of emerging Elders.
We extend our respect to all Bundjalung clan groups, and recognise the ongoing cultural and spiritual connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country – land, waters and sky.
We especially acknowledge the Bundjalung women who continue to care for Country, and the knowledge, wisdom and stories they share.
We are grateful to live and work on this land, and remain committed to walking together towards better health and social outcomes.
