….As Aussie gvt commits almost $1bn to support women who quit violent and abusive relationships.
By Harry Taruva in Sydney Australia
The Australian Federal government of Prime Minister Antony Albanese has announced a $925m dollar budget to help women who leave violent and abusive relationships.
In a media release after a national cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Albanese unveiled a” leaving violence ” payment of $5000.00 to help women meet the costs of leaving a relationships that are violent and abusive.
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We want women to know if they need to leave they can afford to go.
We understand the insidious links between financial insecurity and stress and vulnerability to family and domestic violence. Too often, financial insecurity can be a barrier to escaping violence.
That’s why the Government will invest $925.2 million over five years to permanently establish the Leaving Violence Program – so those escaping violence can receive financial support, safety assessments and referrals to support pathways.” the Australian Federal government said in a media release on its website.
Intimate partner violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, with a quarter of all Australian women having experienced it in their lifetime
Speaking at the press conference Prime Minister Albanese said”
“The heartbreaking reality is that there is no overnight solution to violence against women and children.
“My Government is absolutely committed to making progress to end family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation through our National Plan.
“Today’s announcement builds on our efforts to ensure fewer women feel trapped in a violent relationship because they don’t know if they can afford to leave.”
Meanwhile Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth added her voice on the matter saying “
“Violence against women is a national shame. Every time a woman loses her life at the hands of a man, it is a death that is one too many and we know this is an issue that warrants our focused and serious attention.
“Research has shown us that financial barriers can be a huge impediment to victim-survivors breaking free of a violent relationship and we are determined to reduce those barriers along with providing other supports to assist those fleeing violence.
“We need persistent, consistent and unified action on this issue in order to create real change and this investment will mean there is a permanent lifeline for those people experiencing intimate partner violence.”
The Leaving Violence Program will provide eligible victim-survivors with an individualised financial support package of up to $1,500 in cash and up to $3,500 in goods and services, as well as safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks, the Australian Federal government said.
The program is expected to start in 2025 after the engagement of an appropriate family service provider with domestic and sexual violence experience
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
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