The Albanese Government is continuing to support victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence with a $31.6 million expansion over two-years of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) place-based trial.
A further two new sites in Darwin, Northern Territory and Broome, Western Australia will support victim-survivors in the top end. These are in addition to a site in Dubbo, New South Wales which was announced earlier this week.
This expansion builds upon the current $7 million in funding for the initial EVP place-based trial in Cairns, which has provided financial support to First Nations victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence in the region.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said that the continued expansion of the EVP place-based trial is vital to ensuring First Nations people in regional and remote communities across Australia are given the opportunity to access support.
“We are committed to ensuring that all victim-survivors, regardless of where they are located, are able to access these payments” Minister Rishworth said.
“This is why it is so important to partner with community-based organisations, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and services, as we all work to improve outcomes for women and children facing domestic and family violence across the country.”
The expansion of the EVP place-based trials in Darwin and Broome follow on the commitments in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-25 and National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“These place-based trials support target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to reduce the rate of all forms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family violence by at least 50 per cent by 2031, as progress towards zero,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We know that there are unique challenges and additional barriers faced by First Nations peoples seeking support for family, domestic and sexual violence, particularly within regional, rural, and remote communities.
“These place-based trials see an important partnership between the Government and First Nations-led organisations to support approaches to service delivery that truly meet the needs of local communities.”
The Escaping Violence Payment trial will continue to provide up to $5,000 in support (up to $1,500 in cash, with the remaining up to $3,500 in goods or services) to eligible individuals leaving a violent intimate partner relationship.
The Department of Social Services will be consulting with women’s safety community organisations in Darwin and Broome in the coming months. A selection process will then be undertaken, prior to providers being selected.
The Escaping Violence Payment trial aims to reduce the barrier of financial insecurity for victim-survivors and assist in establishing a home free from violence.
Victim-survivors of intimate partner violence can apply for support through the national trial of the Escaping Violence Payment.
For details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply please go to Escaping Violence Payment | Uniting Vic.Tas (unitingvictas.org.au)
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.
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
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.