A Lifeline for Some, But Not Enough
The Australian government's Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) has been a lifeline for many escaping domestic violence, but advocates say it needs to be expanded to reach more people in need.
Currently, the payment is only available to those escaping violence by a partner, leaving many others who are experiencing violence from family members or carers without access to this crucial support.
Limited Eligibility Raises Concerns
A review of the program found that only 36% of applicants were eligible for the $5,000 payment. This low rate of eligibility is attributed to the limited criteria, which excludes those escaping violence from anyone other than an intimate partner.
Furthermore, the review highlighted concerns about equity of access, with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, older Australians, and residents of remote areas being significantly underrepresented among recipients.
Calls for Expansion and Improvement
Advocates are urging the government to expand the eligibility criteria to include all forms of domestic and family violence, not just intimate partner violence. They also call for improvements to the application process to make it more accessible and user-friendly.
Specifically, they recommend allowing people without fixed addresses to apply and providing the entire payment in cash, rather than splitting it between cash and controlled spending.
Government Response
The government has stated that there are no plans to lower eligibility requirements, despite acknowledging the limitations of the current program. They point to other support services available through Centrelink for those in crisis.
However, advocates argue that these services are not sufficient and that the EVP is a vital tool for helping people escape violence and rebuild their lives.
The Need for Action
The Escaping Violence Payment is a valuable resource for those escaping domestic violence, but it needs to be expanded and improved to reach more people in need. The government must take action to address the limitations of the program and ensure that everyone experiencing violence has access to the support they need.