Financial wellbeing support

Escaping Violence Payment

Financial Wellbeing Support | Leaving Violence Payment | Secondary Image 1

Who it's for

 

The Escaping Violence Payment is for individuals experiencing intimate partner violence who need financial assistance and support to leave an abusive partner. This program is available to: 

  • Individuals experiencing intimate partner violence who wish to escape an abusive relationship.  
  • Individuals facing financial insecurity due to intimate partner violence.

Our support services

Wesley Mission, as part of a consortium with nine other UnitingCare Network organisations, delivers the Escaping Violence Payment program. Key support services include:
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Financial assistance

Up to $1,500 to help individuals secure immediate needs, including accommodation, goods and services.

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Wrap-around support
Connection to services such as housing assistance, legal support and case management.
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Safe accommodation
Assistance in finding safe housing or shelter to escape violence.
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Referral services
Connections to additional community services, such as counselling, healthcare and employment support.
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Goods and services
Provision of essential goods and services to help individuals rebuild their lives free from violence.

Outcomes

Our Escaping Violence Payment program aims to break the cycle of violence and financial insecurity, providing individuals with the resources and support to rebuild their lives. Expected outcomes include:
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Increased safety
Enabling individuals to leave unsafe living environments and find secure housing.
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Reduced financial insecurity
Alleviating the financial barriers that prevent people from leaving an abusive relationship.
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Improved wellbeing
Access to support services that assist with physical, emotional and financial recovery.
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Empowerment
Helping individuals regain independence and stability free from the effects of family violence.

How to access support

To access the Escaping Violence Payment and the support services associated with it, individuals can:
Online application
You can complete an online application here.
Call

Call 1800 EVP EVP (1800 387 387) for a supported application with an EVP staff.

Agency application

If you are linked in with an agency, supporting you with your current situation, they can assist in competing an agency application for you here.

Immediate support
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger, call the Police for emergency assistance.
For advice
Call 1800 RESPECT for support on family violence. 

FAQs

What is the Escaping Violence Payment program?
The Escaping Violence Payment program offers financial assistance and confidential support for people who are leaving or have recently left a violent intimate partner.
How can it help me?
The Escaping Violence Payment program can help you re-establish safety after leaving a violent partner.

You might be eligible for financial assistance and depending on your needs, other goods, services and wrap-around support.
What do I need to do to access it?
Visit or call 1800 EVP EVP (1800 387 387).

Contact a family violence support service or other support service who can help you determine your eligibility, make an application to us on your behalf, and assist with processing times.

Visit this page to learn more about how the Escaping Violence Payment is being delivered in Australia.
Will I need to provide evidence of my situation?
As an Australian Government program, some eligibility criteria are in place.

For example, you may be asked to provide the following:
  • your birth certificate, or other documentation that verifies your age
  • your passport, a citizenship certificate, a visa or other documentation that verifies your Australian citizenship
  • a police report or complaint, AVO/DVO application, Court Order or referral from a specialist FDV service
  • evidence that you have left or are planning on leaving your home due to safety reasons, or evidence that the perpetrator has been legally excluded from your residence
  • evidence of financial stress such as difficulties paying for rent, mortgage or basic life needs
How quickly can I access it?
We will determine your eligibility as quickly as possible. However, if you are in a situation of danger now, please call 000.   

If you are experiencing family violence and need immediate support or advice, call: 
Are there other ways for me to access the Escaping Violence Payment program?
You can also be referred by a family violence support service or other support service. You can speak to your support service about being referred on your behalf.

They can call 1800 EVP EVP (1800 387 387) with the following details:
  • details or evidence of your experience of FDV (if available)
  • details of your changed living arrangement (or plans to change)
  • details on inability to pay housing and living expenses, reliance on social security or limited access to cash.
A referral from a specialist service provider will assist with eligibility and processing times.
How do I know if I am eligible?

You may be eligible if:

  • you are over 18 years of age
  • you are experiencing intimate partner family
  • your living arrangement has changed or an active plan to leave is in place
  • you are experiencing financial stress.

You will need to provide information about your situation and be an Australian citizen.

Who will know that I have accessed the service?
No one will know that you have accessed the service outside of the relevant service providers.  

When you get in contact, you’ll be able to tell us how we can communicate with you safely so that your enquiry will not be discovered by a perpetrator. We have a privacy policy and will not disclose your details. 
Is the service provided confidential?
Yes. Privacy, confidentiality and safety will always be maintained. 
What happens if I am not eligible for the Escaping Violence Payment program?
You may be referred to other support services, such as specialist family violence services.  

The EVP’s eligibility criteria is set by the Australian Government, so Wesley Mission staff are unable to waive it. If you aren’t eligible, you may be referred to a family violence support service or other specialist support service.

You may find help, support and counselling services from domestic violence services or other support programs. You can search for support services here.
What if I need help right now?
If you are in a situation of danger now, please call 000.   

If you are experiencing family violence and need immediate support or advice, call: