Karlup Service - Ruah Community Services

What is the Karlup Service?

The Karlup Service walk alongside women and children (under 18) as they navigate their healing and recovery journey after experiencing family and domestic violence (FDV). Karlup is a space to rebuild, reconnect and move forward at your own pace.

What does Karlup mean?

Karlup is a Noongar Aboriginal word meaning “a place where you belong and feel safe.”

Who is the Karlup Service for?

The Karlup Service is for women (anyone who identifies as a woman) affected by FDV who:

May be single or have children
Are over 18 years old, or otherwise assessed as a mature minor
Are not in immediate crisis or danger
Do not require emergency accommodation or urgent intervention
Are ready to engage in therapeutic support and begin their healing journey

Two Pathways to Support

Karlup offers two types of support, depending on your situation and readiness:

1. Community-Based Support

For women who have left Family and Domestic Violence and are now living in stable housing. We help you reconnect with community, rebuild confidence and take the next steps toward independence; whatever that looks like for you.

2. Safe Accommodation

Available only through referrals from FDV refuges once a woman is ready for the next stage of recovery. This accommodation is not crisis housing. It is a supported environment for women who are safe, stable and preparing to transition to long-term housing options.

Support for Children

Healing is a family journey. The Karlup Service provides a safe, nurturing space where children can recover in their own way, with specialised support tailored to their emotional and developmental needs. People under the age of 18yrs can be connected if they have a parent receiving support from the Karlup Service, or unless they are assessed as a mature minor.

Your Koorta Guide: A Trusted Companion

Every woman accessing case management at the Karlup Sevrice is supported by a Koorta Guide. “Koorta” is a Noongar term for ‘trusted one’. Your Koorta Guide will walk beside you throughout your healing journey, offering:

Consistent support
Guidance through services
Advocacy
A culturally respectful, trauma-informed approach

You are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way.

All the support you need, all in one place

The Karlup Service offers a comprehensive range of support all in one place:

Dedicated Koorta Guide
Peer support from trained staff with lived experience of FDV
Counselling for women and their children
Clinical Psychology
Legal support
A Bulk billing general practice
Dental service
Alcohol and other drug support
Employment education and training support
Healing and recovery programs
Financial counselling
Housing support coordination

A creche service is available for children during appointments, helping make access to support easier. Cultural Liaison and Disability Liaison staff are also available to support individuals and their children in navigating services, if engagement is desired.