In Australia, 1 in 4 women and 2 in 5 children live with complex trauma. Intimate partner violence is the leading preventable health risk for women aged 18 to 44.

Current treatment for complex trauma is inadequate. The evidence is clear. Comprehensive recovery also requires healing the impacts of complex trauma on the brain, the nervous system, and the body, via the body. 
Without an embodied, “bottom-up” approach, women (and children) are not healing, and are not thriving. Recovery is critical in preventing violence being passed on to future generations.

OLIVE TREE HEALTH

In a context of safety, welcome and choice, women living with complex trauma are invited to reconnect, reshape and rebuild their nervous system, and the muscle and joint system of their bodies. Through evidence-based, comprehensive courses and communities of support, Olive Tree Health supports women to restore their sense of safety and dignity, freedom and agency. This allows courageous survivors to thrive in the joys and the challenges of life, and very importantly, to support their children in their healing, breaking intergenerational cycles of abuse.

Independent evaluation of the program showed statistically significant improvements in pain bothersomeness, strength, nervous system regulation, psychological distress, self-efficacy, and integration of physical and emotional health strategies — sustained 4–6 weeks post-program.

“There are no valid comparisons…..This program is the only one I’m aware of that actually meets the holistic recovery needs of women.”
- Referrer from a specialised women’s trauma service.

THE ASK

The women supported by Olive Tree Health have faced indescribable abuse and coercive control, and are often in financially precarious situations. Olive Tree Health relies on donations so that cost is not a barrier to their recovery and healing.

To achieve the 2026 goal of enabling 44 women to attend programs over 6 months, Olive Tree Health requires a further $60,000 in funding.