Leaving Violence Program
About the Leaving Violence Program
The Leaving Violence Program will support eligible victim-survivors leaving violent intimate partner relationships.
Eligible victim-survivors can get up to $5,000, including up to $1,500 in cash and the remaining funds in goods and services. Other supports include safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks. The Leaving Violence Program is not a crisis support service.
The program will support victim-survivors aged 18 years or older. This support is for those who have already left or want to leave a violent intimate partner relationship. Eligibility is regardless of gender or visa status.
The Leaving Violence Program starts on 1 July 2025. The program will be delivered through two models:
- National program delivered by a national provider
- Regional trials in four regions across Australia, delivered by First Nations-led organisations.
Telstra Health will be the national provider delivering the Leaving Violence Program on behalf of the Australian Government. This was following an open and competitive procurement process.
The regional trials focus on services for First Nations victim-survivors. They will be in the following locations (and surrounding regions), with these providers:
- Broome, Western Australia – Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical
- Cairns, Queensland – Remote Area Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Child Care
- Darwin, Northern Territory – North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Services
- Dubbo, New South Wales – Bunmabunmarra Service.
The program is under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32. It is one of many important Australian Government initiatives available to support victim-survivors.
The program builds on learnings from the:
- Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) trial
- Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot (TVP).
The EVP trial and the TVP will continue through to 30 June 2025. Information on these programs is below.
The Escaping Violence Payment national trial
The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) trial supports eligible victim-survivors with up to $5,000 to leave a violent intimate partner relationship. This includes up to $1,500 in cash and the remainder in goods, services and supports.
The money can be used to:
- pay bills
- relocate
- buy furniture and appliances
- access counselling and seek legal services.
The trial links victim-survivors to relevant supports through other Australian Government, state or territory funded services.
To be eligible for the EVP, individuals (of any gender or identity) must be:
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- aged 18 years or older
- experiencing financial stress
- the victim of intimate partner violence that has resulted in a changed living arrangement in the last 12 weeks.
The changed living arrangement can be:
- if the victim-survivor has had to move from the residence
- if the person using violence has moved or been excluded from the residence
- for a victim-survivor with a safety plan to leave the residence.
The UnitingCare Network is delivering the EVP trial to individuals Australia-wide.
Whereto (research-based consulting) undertook an independent evaluation of the EVP. They reviewed its effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness.
The Escaping Violence Payment place-based trial
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place-based trial of the EVP provides specialised and culturally appropriate support to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence in the Cairns region. This includes Cape York, the Torres Strait, and the Atherton Tablelands.
The Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care (RAATSICC) Advisory Association is delivering the Cairns place-based trial.
Whereto (research based consulting) undertook an independent evaluation of the EVP place-based trial. As with the EVP trial, they reviewed its effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness.
Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot
The Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot (TVP) supports eligible temporary visa holders experiencing family and domestic violence. The support includes up to $5,000 for goods and services. It also provides access to legal support for migration and family law through 9 Women’s and Community Legal Centres.
More information
- The UnitingCare Network is delivering the Escaping Violence Payment(Opens external website) trial to individuals Australia-wide.
- Visit the Australian Red Cross to access family and domestic violence financial assistance(Opens external website) for temporary visa holders
- For more information about other programs provided by the Australian Government can be found at safety programs, prevention and evidences.
- If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit the Men’s Referral Service online(Opens external website). This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.