The Albanese Labor Government is committed to breaking down financial barriers for those escaping domestic violence, through close collaboration with the community sector.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, visited Uniting Victoria Tasmania and the Red Cross in Melbourne today, who deliver critical payments for those experiencing violence.
“Our Government greatly values the partnership we have with community-based services, as we all work to improve outcomes for women and children facing the unimaginable challenges presented by domestic and family violence,” said Assistant Minister Elliot.
“It’s important that government and community organisations work together to ensure help is available when it is needed for those escaping violence.”
“Organisations like Uniting Victoria Tasmania and the Red Cross are recognisable across Australian communities, and play an integral role in minimising the obstacles faced by those experiencing violence.”
The Escaping Violence Payment, delivered by Uniting Victoria Tasmania, provides up to $5000 in financial assistance to eligible individuals leaving a violent intimate partner relationship.
“The Escaping Violence Payment has provided 26,000 victim-survivors with financial assistance, helping them to establish a new home free from violence,” said Assistant Minister Elliot.
The Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot is administered by the Australian Red Cross, who supply financial assistance packages to victim-survivors on temporary visas, alongside nine Women’s and Community Legal Centres that provide migration and family law advice.
“We know there are unique challenges faced by victim-survivors who don’t have Australian citizenship or permanent residency, so we want to ensure that fear of losing a visa or lack of financial security does not deter victim-survivors from leaving a violent situation,” said Assistant Minister Elliot.
$38.2 million was committed in the May 2023 Budget to extend the Escaping Violence Payment trial and the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot through to 31 January 2025.
From 3 July 2023, the Albanese Labor Government also increased the payment available to victim-survivors through the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot from $3,000 to $5,000.
To learn more about the Escaping Violence Payment, visit the Uniting Victoria Tasmania website.
More information on the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot can be found on the Australian Red Cross website.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.