Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced a new $925 million Leaving Violence Program featuring $5,000 in funding for people leaving a domestic violence situation.
The Prime Minister said his government is committed to ending family, domestic and sexual violence in a generation.
"We want women to know if they need to leave they can afford to go," said the PM.
"Too often, financial insecurity can be a barrier to escaping violence.
"That's why the Government will invest $925.2 million over five years to permanently establish the Leaving Violence Program."
The announcement comes amid protests and public anger about the growing number of women being murdered by their male partners or former partners.
26 women have been killed at the hands of men in the first four months of 2024. On Monday the Australian Institute of Criminology reported the rate of women killed by an intimate partner increased by almost 30 per cent in 2022-23. 34 women were killed by a current or previous intimate partner in that year, eight more than during 2021-22.
That is an increase in the rate of these deaths of 28 per cent, from 0.25 to 0.32 per 100,000 head of population.
The prime minister has declared violence against women to be a national crisis.
But what does the $5000 Leaving Violence Payment actually deliver to those (mostly women) leaving violent relationships?
Despite the high and mighty words about 'national crisis' and 'ending violence', this program is nothing new – and no one will get $5,000 when they walk out of a violent home.
The Leaving Violence Program will replace the existing Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) in July 2025. EVP is operated by UnitingCare and funded by the federal government.
If you're eligible you can be paid up to $1,500 in cash (or on a debit card) plus up to $3,500 in goods and services like removalists, a rental bond or basics for a new home. You can also get 12 weeks of support from a case worker who will help with safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to essential services.
Am I eligible for the $5,000 Escaping Violence Payment?
If you are over 18 and moved out of the family home, or your partner has moved out due to violence within the last 12 weeks or you have a plan to move you may be eligible.
How do I get the $5,000 Escaping Violence Payment?
You can apply for Escaping Violence Payment online here or social workers and support staff at community centres, women's refuges and hospitals can help you.
After you apply, someone from UnitingCare will call you to check your application information. You can nominate a time they can call or a way of contacting you that will not put you in danger.
Within a few weeks a dedicated EVP worker will be in touch. They will approve a payment of up to $1500 to you and help organise a plan for new accommodation and "a future free from violence."
This is not an instant payment that can be received quickly. The EVP does not replace the emergency services response that you may need right away. You can only receive one EVP per 12 month period.
UnitingCare says they have been receiving a large number of EVP applications so responding to your application may take "a few weeks."
If you are not eligible for EVP you can still call or contact 1800RESPECT, Lifeline (13 11 14) or any other support agency listed here.
