Escaping Violence Payments

Family Law: 17 October 2021

The Federal Government has recognised the increase in domestic and family violence resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 19 October, 2021, women and children leaving a violent relationship will have access to up to $5,000 under a new trial scheme.

Domestic violence can be any or all of:

• Physical, verbal or sexual abuse
• Emotional, spiritual or psychological abuse
• Economic abuse
• Threatening, coercive, or seeking to control or dominate the other person (NSW).

The Federal Government has committed funds to establish Escaping Violence Payments to provide up to $1,500 in immediate cash payments and a further $3,500 available for goods or direct payments of rental bonds, school fees or other items.

Payments will not be considered taxable or reportable income and will not impact any other social security payments.

To be eligible for the payments, an applicant must show evidence of family violence by providing either a referral from a family and domestic violence service provider with a risk assessment and safety plan, an Intervention Order (Vic) or Apprehended Violence Order (NSW), court order, or a police report.

If you need assistance in dealing with family violence, discussing family violence with Police or obtaining an Intervention Order, please contact the Aitken Partners family law team for help. Aitken Partners has both male and female experienced lawyers who regularly deal with family violence issues. Please contact our team here.

If you need help in developing a plan to leave, please take a look at our step by step guide to help you leave an abusive relationship here:

Step-By-Step guide to help you leave an abusive relationship