The Escaping Violence Payment (“EVP”) program is a program funded by the Australian Government. The EVP program is delivered in Queensland through UnitingCare.
The EVP program is designed to provide financial assistance to those who are trying to leave or have left intimate partner violence in the last 12 weeks. An intimate partner is a person who you have had a romantic relationship with such as your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend.
The EVP program provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to those who are eligible. The financial assistance can include:-
- Up to $1,500 cash; and
- Up to $3,500 in goods and services.
The financial assistance can be used to pay bills, relocation expenses, counselling and legal services.
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the EFP program:
- You must be 18 years of age or older;
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent residence or holder of a protected special category via living in Australia;
- You must be planning to change or have changed your living arrangement within the last 12 weeks due to intimate partner violence; and
- You must be experiencing financial stress and have not accessed the EVP program in the last 12 months.
The EVP program is not an asset tested program.
Intimate partner violence can be physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, threats, and/or coercive control.
If you have a case worker, whether they are from UnitingCare or another service, they can assist you to complete an application. If you do not have a case worker, you can complete the application yourself.
The EVP trial is being funded until 30 June 2025. A similar program called the Leaving Violence Program is currently being established and due to commence in mid-2025.
If you have left or are leaving (or considering leaving) a relationship where you have been a victim of intimate partner violence, we recommend you obtain independent legal advice. The family law team at Macrossan & Amiet can provide you with advice and understanding during this process.
