The Morrison Government will provide immediate financial assistance to women who make the brave decision to leave a violent relationship.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the funding would support an estimated 12,000 women across Australia annually, including women on the Mornington Peninsula to leave difficult and violent relationships.
“The Escaping Violence Payment will provide vital financial support for women and children around the Mornington Peninsula to escape family and domestic violence,” the Minister said.
“This includes a cash payment of up to $1,500 and the remaining $3,500 in goods and services as well as wrap-around support from a community service provider to support these women in making this brave decision.”
“Domestic violence can occur across all backgrounds and in all places and there is never any excuse, which is why providing vital financial support to help these women escape these relationships is so important.”
Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the 2021-22 Budget commits $164.8 million in financial support measures includes a two-year trial of the first of its kind Escaping Violence Payment providing women access up to $5,000 in assistance to establish a home away from violence.
“We know that financial issues including the prospect of leaving property or assets behind are major factors in women’s decisions about leaving a violent relationship,” Minister Ruston said.
“Escaping Violence Payments will ensure women have immediate access to cash and can put down a bond or buy other essentials which they may be leaving behind.
“Under the trial, the payments will not be means tested and will be available to any woman who needs financial support to leave because we understand that financial abuse and coercive control may prevent women from accessing their own finances and assets.”
The measure also includes further support for Services Australia’s ‘Tell Us Once’ program and the No Interest Loan Scheme for Women Experiencing Family and Domestic Violence (NILS-DV).
The Department of Social Services will conduct a closed competitive grant round to select a community service provider to deliver the trial with the intention of making Escaping Violence Payments available by the end of year.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.