Transforming health systems to restore well-being and enhance access to healing after sexual violence.

Sexual violence is perpetrated against one in every six Australian women and one in 25 men during their adult lives, with LGBTQ+ people disproportionally affected. Sexual violence causes enormous harm to health and wellbeing, particularly mental health. Because of this, the health system’s role in supporting people with lived experience of sexual violence is critical. Addressing the health impacts of sexual violence early can potentially avoid worsening symptoms, lost productivity, and reduced participation in public life for victim/survivors. However, to date, health system responses to sexual violence have been inadequate. Through world-leading research and collaboration with practitioners and lived experience experts, the RESTORE Centre will tackle this pressing issue over the next 5 years to ensure that health system delivers care that is trauma-and-violence-informed and tailored to individual needs. Our Centre will have a priority focus on sexual violence against women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

About Us

We are a network of national and international researchers, lived experience experts and practitioners with a shared passion for improving health system responses to sexual violence. Find out more about our vision, our people, and our commitment to working with people with lived experience.

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Our Research

Our research program focuses on three main areas:
Using data to drive health systems change
Exploring new pathways to healing
Embedding trauma-and-violence informed care in the health system
Find out more about specific projects we are working on in 2025 and beyond.

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Resources

At the RESTORE Centre, we are committed to translating research findings into practical, evidence-based, useful resources for policymakers, clinicians, practitioners, and people with lived experience. Find out more about how our work can help.

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“In a way, although the sexual violence is the thing that I talk about least… it’s the aspect that’s dismantled me the most.”

Survivor