UnitingSA, along with nine other UnitingCare Network consortium organisations across Australia, will lead a pilot program providing financial assistance and wrap-around support to assist people to escape family violence.
UnitingSA, part of the UnitingCare Network, will deliver the Escaping Violence Payment program along with Uniting Vic.Tas (Vic and Tas), Wesley Mission (NSW and ACT), UnitingCare (QLD), Uniting WA, Uniting Communities, Uniting Wesley Bowden (SA), Uniting Country SA, Somerville (NT) and UnitingCare Australia.
The program is being funded by the Commonwealth Government as part of its $1.1 billion commitment in the 2021-22 Federal Budget to help end violence against women and children.
The Escaping Violence Payment program will provide assistance up to $5000 for individuals, including financial assistance up to $1500 along with goods, services, and wrap-around support for anyone wanting to leave a violent partner.
Payments can also be used to help find safe accommodation and connect with support services and any other assistance they may need to get back on their feet.
Financial insecurity is one of the main barriers for women that stops them leaving a violent partner and in some cases is a factor which contributes to why some return to an abusive partner.
The community services organisations will be able to arrange referrals or connections with other appropriate services so people can get the additional help to establish a home free from violence.
The program starts on 19 October and is expected to support up to 24,000 people across Australia over the next two years.
Update as at 1 July 2025:
The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) trial is no longer accepting new applications.
From 1 July 2025, the new Leaving Violence Program will support people experiencing intimate partner violence with financial assistance and support services.
If you need support, you can apply to the Leaving Violence Program from 1 July 2025 via the website at leavingviolenceprogram.org.au or by calling the phone line on 1800 2 LEAVE (1800 253 283).
If you applied to the EVP trial before 1 July 2025, we will continue to support you and you do not need to apply to the Leaving Violence Program – you can contact the EVP team regarding your application by calling 1800 EVP EVP (1800 387 387) or find out more about EVP here.