These Aussies to get $1,500 payment within 6 days
Australians who are escaping family and domestic violence will now be able to access a cash payment within six days.
Good news for the many thousands of domestic violence victims as emergency payments and processing times have been shortened as part of the 2022 - 2023 Budget initiatives.
The Escaping Family Violence Payment (EVP) is a $5,000 support package designed to help survivors leave violent domestic situations and to set up a new home. The EVP consists of a one-off $1,500 cash payment and other goods and services to the value of $3500.
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Changes will stop 'unacceptable' delayed payment times
The changes made by the Government to have been made to reduce payment times which in the past had blown out to an average wait time of 33 business days for victims waiting to have their applications processed which Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has described as “unacceptable.”
According to the Department of Social Services, from age 15, one in four women and one in eight men in Australia have experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member.
The most recent homicide data shows that, on average, one woman dies every 14 days at the hands of her former or current partner in Australia.
The May budget announced an extension to the program to 2025 and boosted it with an additional $38.2 million to increase the number of packages of support available.
How to access the Escaping Family Violence Program (EVP):
The Escaping Violence Payment Program (EVP) is available to anyone who is experiencing violence from their partners.
This includes violent or threatening behaviour that is:
Physically, verbally or sexually abusive
Emotionally, spiritually or psychologically abusive
Economically abusive
Threatening, coercive, or seeks to control or dominate the other person.
If you are looking to leave a violent partner, or have recently left and you are struggling with the finances to live your life in safety, you could be eligible for:
Up to $1500 in financial assistance such as vouchers for essential items
Goods and services such as removalists, bonds or basics for a new home
Wrap-around support including casework from the EVP provider.
For more information head to the Escaping Family Violence fact sheet.
If you are experiencing family violence and need immediate support or advice, call 1800 RESPECT.
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