What is the new ‘Escaping Violence Payment’ for Women fleeing domestic violence?
In October this year the Federal Government created a payment called the Escaping Violence Payment for women experiencing domestic violence who will encounter financial difficulty when they leave a violent relationship.
Escaping Violence Payment is a one-off confidential payment available to women escaping domestic violence of up to $5,000. The payment is made up of:
a cash payment of $1,500
vouchers for goods and services
direct payment of bonds or school fees
other support payments necessary to establish a safe home
To be eligible to receive Escaping Violence Payment the following needs to apply:
Aged over 18 years
Australian citizen or permanent resident living in Australia
Just left a violent intimate partner where violence has been experienced within the last 12 weeks
Experiencing financial hardship
The payments will be provided by the UnitingCare Australia Consortium who will also engage with other Commonwealth and State funded agencies that support women. UnitingCare Australia are experienced in supporting victims of domestic violence. For further information about EVP please see the Uniting Care Australia website, https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/family-services/family-violence-services/escaping-violence-payment/
You can apply for the Escaping Violence Payment by completing the enquiry form on the UnitingCare Australia website - https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/escaping-violence-payment-enquiry-form/
The objective of the Escaping Violence Payment is to assist women in need of financial support when deciding to leave an abusive relationship. The payment is an acknowledgement of how difficult it can be to leave an abusive relationship if there are financial pressures, including financial abuse.
Escaping Violence Payment is part of a 2-year trial. The payments are not taxable or considered reportable income.
This payment and UnitingCare Australia are not a crisis service, if you or someone you know has experienced family violence and need urgent assistance, please call 000 or 1800 RESPECT.
Author
Emily Gendall
