The EVP (Escaping Violence Payment) is a government initiative that provides people who are leaving or have recently left a violent intimate partner with financial aid and personal support. If you are eligible for an EVP, contact a family violence support service such as Uniting or Wesley Mission to fill out application forms.

 

Eligibility Criteria: Australian citizens affected by domestic violence are eligible for an EVP if within the last 12 weeks, the victim has changed residence due to intimate partner violence, the perpetrator has left the residence or if a plan to leave has been organised. To be eligible, the victim must be struggling financially and unable to retain their financial independence. If the application is successful, domestic violence victims may receive up to $1500 in cash and up to $5000 in providing other goods and services such as relocation support.

 

Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: Australia wide

For more: https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/family-services/family-violence-services/escaping-violence-payment/

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Victims of domestic violence, who are experiencing financial hardship, are eligible to apply for a Centrelink crisis payment. This payment is equal to a week’s pay at the maximum rate of the applicant's income support payment and can be received in up to four payments in an annum.

 

Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: Australia wide

For more: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-much-crisis-payment-for-extreme-circumstances-family-and-domestic-violence-you-can-get?context=52755

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Regardless of age, culture, ability, language proficiency, sexuality or gender identity, The Salvation Army National Family Violence Program is dedicated to offering services to help those affected by domestic and family violence. One of the initiatives for domestic violence victims includes The National Safer in the Home (SITH) program which aims to keep women and their children inside their own home by providing them with security upgrades and safety assessments. 

 

Age of Eligibility: All

States: Australia wide

For more: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/family-and-domestic-violence/

For NSW residents fleeing domestic or family violence, the Rent Choice Start Safely program offers short- to medium-term financial assistance. The assistance helps victims of domestic violence find private rental housing, so they won't have to return to their abusive surroundings even if they are struggling financially. This program provides a subsidy that is allocated based on income and whilst an applicant has to pay all of their Commonwealth Rent Assistance entitlement, they typically only pay 25% of the rest of their income as rent. The Government then pays the rest of the rent.

 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• are escaping or at risk of domestic or family violence*

• are homeless or at risk of being homeless

• are eligible for social housing

• can demonstrate that you will be able to afford the private market rent after the subsidy ends (can last up to 36hours)

• are willing to engage with support services, if needed.

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Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: NSW

For more: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/factsheets/start-safely

In NSW, victims of domestic violence can apply for up to 22 hours of free counselling.  The application form requests that personal information and a brief account of the violent conduct is provided. Counselling sessions may also be used to apply for further DFV services or financial support.

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Age of Eligibility: All (under 18s must also present parental ID in application)

States: NSW

For more: https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/how-can-we-help-you/victims-support-scheme/counselling.html

In NSW, a victim of domestic and family violence may be eligible for a lump-sum payment in recognition for the trauma they have been subjected to. The payments vary depending on the severity of the trauma. In some cases, Victim Services may use restitution which means the perpetrator of the crime will be legally required to pay the recognition sum to the victim. However, in cases where restitution may put a victim of crime at further risk, applicants can ask for discretion. If you have any questions about this payment process, contacting Victims Services or the Women's Legal Service NSW may help.

 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must apply for the recognition within two years of the act of violence occurring

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: NSW

For more: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/resources/dv-law-nsw/ch-10-dv-victims-support/  

Some domestic violence women’s shelters in Queensland receive support from brokerage agencies to provide assistance to domestic violence affected women. These funds help provide assistance in accommodation maintenance – providing payments of rent or utilities – and support services payment (eg, counselling).

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Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: QLD

For more: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/services/women-violence-prevention/violence-prevention/service-providers/brokerage-emergency-crisis-payment-arrangements

Victim Assist Queensland provides financial assistance to those affected by domestic and family violence as well as providing court support if necessary. Financial assistance may include paying for counselling, medical and dental expenses, compensating for loss of earnings and helping meet safety needs.

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: QLD

For more: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/victim-assist-queensland

Providing legal advice, free lawyers for court, social support, counselling and inclusion in other domestic and family violence services, Western Australia Family Advocacy Support Services offers multiple forms of assistance. 

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Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: WA

For more: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/family-and-domestic-violence-services-and-resources 

The Crisis Care Helpline is Western Australia's after-hours response to child safety concerns and crisis' being experienced by families, such as fleeing domestic violence. Assisting in providing emergency accomodation, this service is open 24hours a day, providing counselling sessions and support for people experiencing hardship.

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: WA

For more: https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/community-support/crisis-care

Engender equality offers state-wide therapeutic services to Tasmania residents through free, unlimited, confidential counselling that can be conducted with face-to-face practitioners, by phone or via Zoom. Anyone who has experiencing domestic and family violence currently or in the past is eligible.

 

Age of Eligibility: All

States: Tasmania

For more: https://engenderequality.org.au/services/counselling

Women and children who are victims of domestic and family abuse can get financing for home security modifications under the Keeping Women Safe in Their Homes (KWSITH) program. When it is safe to do so, KWSITH wants to let women stay in their own homes or another house of their choosing and stop offenders from committing crimes again. Security upgrades available include mobile phones, security cameras, locks, solid security doors and sensor lights.

 

Age of Eligibility: All

States: Tasmania

For more: https://www.safeathome.tas.gov.au/services/financial-support-for-victims

Flexible support packages provided by the Tasmanian government helps cover some of the expenses associated with fleeing domestic and family violence situations. It is eligible for anyone who has experienced domestic or family violence if they have left their partner in the past 12months or are planning to leave and have no intention of reconciling with the perpetrator. Expenses covered can include relocation costs, food, clothing, medical services, mobile phones with credit, utilities and furniture.

 

Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: Tasmania

For more: https://www.safeathome.tas.gov.au/services/financial-support-for-victims/flexible-support-packages

 In Victoria, the leading domestic and family violence response centre is Safe Steps, which offers 24/7 crisis phone lines, helps organise safety plans, provides emergency and crisis accommodation, supports victims in court and offers advice to those affected by domestic violence.

 

Age of Eligibility: All

States: Victoria

For more: https://www.safesteps.org.au/

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In Victoria, The Orange Door is a free service for victims of domestic and family violence, assisting in providing resources and support for all victims. Employees at The Orange Door have extensive training and expertise in addressing family violence and assisting children, teenagers and adults who require additional care and assistance after exposure to domestic violence. Assistance provided by The Orange Door includes implementing child protection measures, helping find emergency accomodation and providing further referrals for services like professional counselling.

 

Age of Eligibility: All

States: Victoria

For more: https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/

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For residents of the Northern Territory, no-interest-loans of up to $2000 are eligible for domestic violence victims to help them purchase essential goods and services. This fund may be used for medical or dental costs, housing, education, car repairs, technology and household essentials.

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Age of Eligibility: 18+

States: Northern Territory

For more: https://goodshep.org.au/services/nils/

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ShelterMe is an online resource that serves as a referral tool, offering information to those looking for housing and support services. In the Northern Territory, Shelter Me offers up-to-date information on housing and services, including crisis, transitional, short-term, low-cost, and supported housing for people in crisis, including those affected by domestic violence. 

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: Northern Territory

For more: https://www.shelterme.org.au/

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Sharing resources and offering referrals to receive help, the South Australia Women's Safety Service provides domestic violence victims with support services to ensure safety. Services offered includes counselling, support in finding accomodation and advocacy over techniques victims can use to achieve safety.

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: South Australia

For more: https://womenssafetyservices.com.au/

In South Australia, victims of domestic and family violence can get in contact with the South Australia Victim Support Services for help and assistance. There are confidential helpline services offered, information on the effects domestic violence can result in and the provision of 'court companions' for those who need legal assistance. 

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: South Australia

For more: https://www.victimsa.org/

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The Domestic Violence Crisis Service is available to all Canberra residents and offers support via a 24/7 crisis hotline, legal assistance, safety planning and support planning programs. There are also programs for young people which include support groups and counselling services.

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: Canberra

For more: https://dvcs.org.au/

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Assistance Beyond Crisis provides no-interest loans of up to $5000 (to be repaid over three years) for domestic violence victims in the ACT region who are in immediate need of money and earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. These loans can help provide financial assistance for housing costs, vehicle expenses and education fees.

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Age of Eligibility: All

States: Canberra and areas of NSW

For more:   https://www.serviceone.com.au/CommunityInitiatives/Projects/AssistanceBeyondCrisis

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