Worry at waiting time for DV cash

Crisis services want more

Women are waiting up to nine months to receive the Leaving Violence Payment, according to crisis services, as the federal government fights criticism of its snap response to gendered violence.

Following an emergency national cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the federal government announced $925m over five years to permanently establish the Leaving Violence Payment following concern about killings of women across NSW and Victoria.

The program, which seeks to help people with the financial costs of escaping a violent intimate relationship, offers eligible people up to $1500 in cash and $3500 in vouchers.

Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service manager Tanya Whitehouse AOM said making the program permanent was a positive measure but said many women were facing barriers to accessing the payment.

“One of my caseworkers had a client 12 months ago who took nine months to get her EVP sorted,” Ms Whitehouse said. “We have another one with a current application where we did a support letter in November 2023 and she is still not finalised.”

The one-off payment was introduced under the Morrison government in 2021 but was tweaked in response to concerns about strict eligibility requirements, including the exclusion of people who hold temporary visas.

Ms Whitehouse said progress has been made but called to scrap the three-month time limit given to applicants to claim the payment,

“The time period is a significant one because you can’t expect a woman to make a decision and have everything sorted within three months. If you’re a victim of DV (domestic violence) and you’re thinking about it and you’re not ready to do it, it could well be four months before you decide it’s time to go,” she said.

“You’re relying on so many factors. You have no control over finding a rental property.

“I think the timeframe should be at least considered to be extended to at least six months.

“The victim’s services timeframe is two years, so three months is quite insulting.”

According to a report from peak organisation Domestic Violence NSW, only 15 per cent of frontline services reported having their clients receive the full $5000 payment in 2022.

Data obtained this year by the Guardian showed that more than half of more than 50,000 Australians had their applications rejected between July and September 2023.

Domestic Violence NSW chief executive Delia Donovan said advocates and service providers were furious and “disappointed” after Wednesday’s national cabinet announcement, urging for a funding increase towards frontline services and intervention programs for perpetrators.

“It doesn’t feel urgent or good enough,” Ms Donovan said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “critical” that those needing help could access the money.