Financial support for Maranoa women escaping violence

May 14, 2021

The Federal Coalition Government will provide immediate financial assistance to women who make the brave decision to leave a violent relationship.

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the 2021-22 Budget commits $164.8 million in financial support measures, including a two-year trial of the first-of-its-kind Escaping Violence Payment, providing women access up to $5000 in assistance to establish a home away from violence.

“The Escaping Violence Payment will provide vital financial support for women and children in Maranoa to escape family and domestic violence,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This includes a cash payment of up to $1500 and the remaining $3500 in goods and services as well as wrap-around support from a community service provider.”

“The Government knows that financial issues, including the prospect of leaving property or assets behind, are major factors in women’s decisions about leaving a violent relationship –Escaping Violence Payments will ensure women have immediate access to cash and can put down a bond or buy other essentials which they may be leaving behind.”

The measure also includes further support for Services Australia’s ‘Tell Us Once’ program and the No Interest Loan Scheme for Women Experiencing Family and Domestic Violence (NILS-DV).

The Department of Social Services will conduct a closed competitive grant round to select a community service provider to deliver the trial with the intention of making Escaping Violence Payments available by the end of year.

Mr Littleproud said for women’s safety specifically, the Budget builds on the $130 million already provided to states last year for frontline domestic violence services, and the $340 million under the Fourth Action Plan for the National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children.

Key women’s safety measures in the Budget include:

• $164 million for financial assistance, including an escaping violence payments of $5000 for those fleeing a violent situation
• A two-year National Partnership Agreement for frontline services valued at $260 million
• $12.6 million to expand the Safe Places program and provide more crisis accommodation for those fleeing violence
• $51 million in primary prevention activities and resources for women and girls with disability, and grant funding for local-level prevention services.
• $26 million to target tech facilitated abuse
• $320 million for legal assistance, legal services and better laws to protect domestic, family and sexual violence victims and their children

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au