Wesley Mission, 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.
As part of the UnitingCare Network, Wesley Mission will deliver the Escaping Violence Payment program along with Uniting Vic.Tas (Vic and Tas), UnitingCare (QLD), Uniting WA, Uniting Communities, UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (SA), Uniting SA, Uniting Country SA, Somerville (NT) and UnitingCare Australia.
The Commonwealth Government is funding the program 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 $5,000 for individuals, including financial assistance up to $1,500, 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 from leaving a violent partner. In some cases, it is a factor contributing 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.
For more information about how to access the payment in NSW and ACT from Tuesday 19 October, email EVP@wesleymission.org.au
If you are in danger, call 000 for Police. If you are experiencing family violence and need support or advice, call 1800 RESPECT or the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63.
Media contact:
Anne Holt, Senior Public Affairs Officer
0418 628 342 or anne.holt@wesleymission.org.au
About the UnitingCare Network
The UnitingCare Network delivers community services across metropolitan, rural and regional Australia in all states and territories, making it one of the largest provider networks in the country. A skilled workforce of over 50,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers make a positive difference to people’s lives from more than 1600 locations. This place-based local knowledge translates to a service footprint of integrated and wrap-around services and partnerships, bringing unparalleled value of complementary services for people escaping family violence.
