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. Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, will today announce that the first new site will be in Dubbo, New South Wales.
The expansion will take place over two years and builds upon the current $7 million in funding for the initial EVP place-based trial in Cairns, which provides financial support to First Nations victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence.
The Escaping Violence Payment trial provides 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 and aims to reduce the barrier of financial insecurity for victim-survivors and assist in establishing a home free from violence.
Assistant Minister Elliot emphasised the need to focus on rural, regional, and remote communities when providing support for First Nations victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence.
“The goal with expanding our Escaping Violence Payment place-based trials is to support and help First Nations victim-survivors leave a violent relationship,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“It’s an absolute priority that victim-survivors are assisted and supported in escaping from, and eliminating, violence and abuse in their lives, which is why the trial here in Dubbo is so vital.
“By focussing on communities like Dubbo that have a strong service sector in place, we’ll have the opportunity to extend assistance to surrounding regional and remote communities such as Brewarrina, Bourke-Brewarrina, Walgett, and Coonamble, as well as supporting referral pathways with other organisations.”
The expansion of the EVP place-based trials in Dubbo follows on the commitments in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-25 and National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
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 http://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.
Victim-survivors of intimate partner violence can also apply for support through the national trial of the Escaping Violence Payment.
For details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for support through the national trial please go to Escaping Violence Payment | Uniting Vic.Tas (unitingvictas.org.au)