The Leaving Violence Program (the Program) started on 1 July 2025, making permanent the Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) trial. The program provides financial assistance to eligible victim-survivors who are leaving or have left intimate partner violent relationships.
To be eligible for the program you must: –
- 18 years of age or older;
- Have left or are planning to leave a violent intimate partner relationship;
- Be a victim-survivor of intimate partner violence;
- Be experiencing financial stress;
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or temporary visa holder;
- not have received the payment in the past 12 months through the EVP trial, Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot (TVP), the national Program or the regional trials,
In addition to the above requirements, you must have either: –
- Changed your living arrangements in the past 12 weeks because of intimate partner violence (this includes circumstances where the perpetrator of violence has left the family home); or
- Are planning to change your living arrangements, including advising when the change will occur.
The 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.
Other support provided can include safety planning, referrals to other support services for up to 12 weeks and risk assessments.
The Program is delivered in all Australian States and Territories, in two ways: –
- A National Program delivered by Telstra Health; and
- Regional Trials delivered by First Nations-led Organisations in the following regions: –
- Broome, Western Australia;
- Cairns, Queensland;
- Darwin, Northern Territory; and
- Dubbo, New South Wales.
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.
