The federal government has committed more money to help end family, domestic and sexual violence. The Albanese government says it will invest $925.2 million over five years to permanently establish the Leaving Violence Program (LVP)– so those escaping violence can receive financial support, safety assessments and referrals to support pathways.
The minister for Women Katy Gallagher says this is a national crisis and the government wants to ensure women who need to leave their violent partners can afford to go. Studies indicated that there is a link between financial insecurity and stress and vulnerability to family and domestic violence and very often financial insecurity can be a barrier to escaping violence.
Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning. The LVP will provide eligible victim-survivors with an individualised financial support package of up to $1,500 in cash and up to $3,500 in goods and services, as well as safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks. The payment amount will be indexed annually to keep in pace with the rising cost of living, ensuring recipients are given the best support when leaving violent relationships. The program will commence in mid-2025, following the procurement of an appropriate service provider with family, domestic and sexual violence experience, and the transition of the existing pilots into the program.
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Besides funding, the government has also expanded eligibility for parenting payment single to increase helping 82,000 single parents payment rates until their youngest child turns 14; legislated ten days paid family and domestic violence leave; increased rent assistance with the largest increase in 30 years; and invested in crisis accommodation and affordable housing for women and children escaping violence.
Intimate partner violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, with a quarter of all Australian women having experienced it in their lifetime. The Leaving Violence Program will support victim-survivors of intimate partner violence to make informed choices about leaving violent relationships and receive the vital support they need.
The Leaving Violence Program is a key initiative in the upcoming May Budget to help support the aims of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 to end violence in one generation. The program will contribute to improved safety, economic security, and independence for victim-survivors. These new measures and funding make permanent the Escaping Violence Program trial. More than 45,000 Australians have accessed the EVP payment since 2021. A total of 80 per cent of those accessing the support were self-referrals meaning without this program they may have fallen through the cracks of the support system.
Both the Escaping Violence Payment trial and the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot will be extended to 30 June 2025. For information about both trials visit the DSS website.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
Men who are concerned about their behaviour or use of violence can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au. Anyone worried or not feeling too good can Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.
