Uniting Vic.Tas, the lead agency delivering the Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) along with eight other UnitingCare Network consortium organisations across Australia, want to clarify there is help available now for people experiencing intimate partner violence.
“We want to clarify that immediate support for people wanting to leave intimate partner violence is available now through the Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) trial program.”
“Although the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday the Leaving Violence Payment program would begin in July 2025, people can continue to access help through the EVP.
“There has been some confusion over several aspects of the Escaping Violence Payment including the numbers of rejected applications and wait times for payment.
“Since the trial started in October 2021, approximately 12 per cent of applicants have been found to be ineligible for the program as they don’t meet the criteria.
“Every applicant receives support whether it’s through EVP or if they are determined to not be eligible for EVP, we provide comprehensive information about alternative support services and referral pathways aimed at supporting a violence-free life.
“Wait times for applicants consistently improved during the trial. The average time between confirming an applicant’s eligibility and the first cash payment is now three days.
“The EVP program is about more than just providing financial assistance. Packages are tailored to each person’s individual needs and includes referral pathways to counselling or housing support.
“EVP provides flexible payments options tailor to a person’s individual needs and circumstances, alongside other supports designed to give people escaping intimate partner violence choice and control with what they need when they need it most.”
“To date, the Escaping Violence Payment has helped almost 60,000 people leave intimate partner violence. To apply for the Escaping Violence Payment call 1800 EVP EVP (1800 387 387) or visit unitingvictas.org.au/escaping-violence-payment.”
Background:
Uniting Vic.Tas delivers the Escaping Violence Payment program along with UnitingCare Network Consortium members Wesley Mission (NSW and ACT), UnitingCare (QLD), Uniting WA, Uniting Communities, UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (SA), Uniting Country SA, Uniting SA and UnitingCare Australia. Uniting Vic.Tas delivers the program in the Northern Territory.
The eligibility criteria for the Escaping Violence Payment are determined by the Federal Government. To be eligible a person must be:
- 18 years or older
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a protected special category visa living in Australia
- Planning to change or have changed their living arrangements within the last 12 weeks due to intimate partner violence
- Experiencing financial stress and have not accessed EVP in the past 12 months
The EVP program has a high number of self-referrals (82 per cent) compared to agency referrals (18 per cent) indicating that the program is reaching a new cohort that has not already engaged with the existing family violence sector.
Self-referrals receive additional support from the program including risk screening, case planning and support with linkages and referral pathways.
The program focuses on tailoring each support package and payment options to the applicants own individual needs and circumstances.
Media enquiries: Cameron Tait 0407 801 231 – [email protected]
