New Restore CRE launched by Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin

Funded by the NHMRC, the RESTORE Centre is a collaboration between The University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle, UNSW and Monash University, with international partners from Johns Hopkins University (USA) and Coventry University (UK).  Led by the DGPPC’s Professor Laura Tarzia, it will become the first dedicated Centre to lead research into the innovative health sector responses that are needed to restore wellbeing and enhance access to healing for victim/survivors of sexual violence in adulthood.

Guests heard how the Centre will generate new knowledge to strengthen health policy and practice and guide investment, test emerging therapies such as trauma-sensitive yoga, art and music therapy to increase pathways to healing, and work with lived-experience experts to enhance trauma-informed service delivery.

DFSV Commissioner Micaela Cronin welcomed the launch of the Centre and spoke about the importance of addressing sexual violence, which comparatively receives less attention than domestic and family violence. Dr Claudia Garcia Moreno from the WHO highlighted the health impacts of sexual violence and the critical role of health systems in responding to victim/survivors. We also heard a powerful delivery from lived-experience expert, Fiona, who shared some of her experiences trying to access support via the health system, and emphasised the importance of receiving responses that promote healing and recovery.

For more information about the RESTORE CRE, contact us at restore-centre@unimelb.edu.au or visit restorecentre.org.au