By Jess Baker
The federal government has pledged more than $160 million over three years towards helping those who decide to leave a violent home, including first-of-its-kind immediate financial assistance for women.
Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the 2021-22 federal budget includes a two-year trial of new Escaping Violence Payments, which will provide women with up to $5000 in assistance to establish a home away from violence.
“The Escaping Violence Payment will provide vital financial support for women and children in Maranoa to escape family and domestic violence,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This includes a cash payment of up to $1500 and the remaining $3500 in goods and services as well as a wrap-around support from a community service provider.”
Warwick Safe Haven Inc. president Bette Bonney said the committee is pleased to see money has been allocated to supporting victims of domestic and family violence.
“We would consider any additional assistance from the government towards domestic violence victim support – which is where this budget is focusing – to be helpful,” Bette said.
“We will watch with keen interest as to how it rolls out through the region and the effectiveness both from the beneficiary and service provider’s perspective.”
Domestic Violence Action Centre Toowoomba director of services Kath Turley said she too looks forward to seeing what kind of impact the $1500 and $3500 payments will have in regional areas.
“All of these investments are really great and they will be able to support some women, but they’re not going to be able to support everybody,” Kath said.
“… They’re not going to be covering the full costs of anyone to relocate because by the time you pay removal costs, if you’re having to break lease, if you’re having to set up bond payments and all of those things it’s quite expensive.
“If you have kids, the reestablishment into schools … though some of those funds will at least assist women to be able to cover some of those costs.”
Kath said she hopes the funding will allow the Domestic Violence Action Centre in Toowoomba, which aids numerous women from the Southern Downs fleeing violent relationships, to provide greater assistance to those in need.
“We’re still just waiting to see what it looks like on the ground,” she said.
“I would hope that we would be positioned well to secure some of those funds which then would have impacts on our service delivery for this area as well as the reach of the Southern Downs.”
The Escaping Violence Payments are intended to provide women immediate access to cash so they are able to put down a bond for a new home and buy essentials they may be leaving behind.
The payments will be provided under a two-year trial through a domestic violence service provider yet to be determined, and should be made available to women by the end of the 2021.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
