New $5000 Payment for Women Escaping Domestic Violence 

COVID-19 has meant a growing number of people have been working from home or are being forced to stay in their homes during state-wide lockdowns.

This has unfortunately resulted in an increase in domestic and family violence in the home with women needing assistance to escape their perpetrators more than ever.

As of Tuesday 19 October 2021, women fleeing domestic and family violence may be eligible for a $5000 emergency payment Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) to assist them and their children to leave, as part of the $1.1 billion women’s safety package contained in the 2021-22 Women’s Budget Statement.  

The $5000 will be made up of $1500 in cash to assist women who need financial support leave the home and the remaining $3500 will be available to be paid for necessities such as rent, rental bond and school fees.

To be eligible for the one off $5000 payment, women will have to prove that they have been experiencing domestic or family violence and financial hardship.

How do I prove I am eligible?   

In order to be eligible for the EVP, women will need to provide evidence that they have been experiencing violence and has recently left or is leaving their violent partner.

Violent behaviour includes:

• Physically, verbally or sexually abusive
• Emotionally, spiritually or psychologically abusive
• Economically abusive
• Threatening, coercive, or seeks to control or dominate the other person.

The type of evidence women will be required to provide in an application for the EVP includes, a police report an Apprehended Violence Order, a court order or a referral from domestic violence service provider.

How do I access the emergency payment? 

Women can apply for the emergency payment through UnitingCare Australia at this website https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/family-services/family-violence-services/escaping-violence-payment/

The payments are not considered taxable or reportable income and will not have an impact on other social security payments which women may be accessing.

What next?

 If you have been experiencing domestic or family violence you should get in contact with CJM Lawyers for a free initial consultation. CJM Lawyers can provide tailored advice and assistance to help with all your family law enquiries.