Leaving Violence Program made permanent as trial helps 100,000 people flee intimate partner violence

A trial program that has helped more than 100,000 people leave violent partners will become a permanent fixture from Tuesday.

The Leaving Violence Program will give victim-survivors access to up to $5000 in financial support, and will be available to those who are planning to leave or have recently left a violent intimate partner relationship.

It builds on the success of the Federal Government’s two-year Escaping Violence Payment trial, which saw more than 100,000 people access the payment.

“We want women fleeing violence to know that financial support is available,” Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said.

One of many who accessed the trial was a woman who fled a former relationship after noticing behaviours she described as becoming progressively more controlling.

She fled her ex-partner after he assaulted her, and then threatened to kill her if she went to the police, driving to a new city in the middle of the night with her cat.

Fearing for her safety, the woman slept in her car for several days.

It wasn’t until she was dropping her cat off to a carer that she was told about the EVP trial.

Her application was accepted. Once engaged with the service, the woman was supported in seeking help from her GP, finding new accommodation and managing her finances with assistance of the payment.

The trial has helped tens of thousands of other women secure accommodation, pay rent, buy food and other household goods, as well as school uniforms and supplies.

Ms Plibersek said making the program permanent will help women feel supported to safely leave violent relationships.

“People often ask, ‘Why doesn’t she leave?’ What we should ask is, ‘Where would she go?’ and ‘What help is available?’,” Ms Plibersek said.

Economic insecurity is a key barrier to people leaving violent partners.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey estimates more than a quarter of Australian women have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner.

Of those women, almost one in five experienced economic abuse.

The new National Partnership Agreement on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2025 will also begin on Tuesday.

Delivered with State and Territory governments, the renewed partnership will deliver more than $700 million in new, matched investments from the Commonwealth, States and Territories.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978