SENATOR KATY GALLAGHER MINISTER FINANCE MINISTER FOR WOMEN MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
AMANDA RISHWORTH MP MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ending family, domestic and sexual violence in a generation. This is a national crisis.
We want women to know if they need to leave they can afford to go.
We understand the insidious links between financial insecurity and stress and vulnerability to family and domestic violence. 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 – so those escaping violence can receive financial support, safety assessments and referrals to support pathways.
Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning.
This commitment builds on a record $2.3 billion in measures put in place by the Albanese Government to help address violence against women.
Further, the Albanese Government has expanded eligibility for parenting payment single – helping 82,000 more single parents remain on higher 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.
This makes 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.
