Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC) has joined forces with the Illawarra Trauma Recovery Centre to create a groundbreaking initiative called the Victim Survivor Advocacy Program, titled "Experience into Expertise." This program, set to be the first of its kind in Australia, aims to empower victim-survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence by harnessing their lived experiences to drive social change and healing.

The program will be co-designed and delivered by victim-survivors themselves, with support from the Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre and the Independent Collective of Survivors, both generously funded by IMC. It will equip survivors with the skills and knowledge to engage in public speaking, media advocacy, working with government and industry partners, conducting research, and even managing their own small businesses.

One of the central goals of this program is to challenge common misconceptions about the perpetration and impact of violence on victim-survivors. By sharing their stories and experiences, advocates will not only raise awareness but also connect with community members and policymakers to enact change at various levels.

Research has shown that engagement in advocacy like this can be a crucial part of the healing process for survivors. It offers them a sense of agency, community, and purpose, allowing them to transform their trauma into expertise and positive change.

IMC's partnership with the Illawarra Trauma Recovery Centre for the Victim Survivor Advocacy Program exemplifies their commitment to corporate social responsibility and supporting initiatives that bring about meaningful societal change. This collaboration represents a significant step toward building a more empathetic, informed, and supportive community for survivors of violence in Australia.