Chapter:
32 - Women
Mover:
Evelyn Hart-Reid
Seconder:
 
 
Source:
​Status of Women Policy Committee
My Private Notes


Preamble

We welcome the government’s decision to roll out the Leaving Violence Program. This 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.

However, $1500 in cash is often not enough for women escaping DV, especially if they are escaping with children. Abusers often will limit family and friends from the victim-survivor, so they might not feel they can reach out at that critical escaping stage for help. 
General Resolution

Increasing DV cash payment

​We call on the ACT Labor government to:

1. Increase the cash payment from $1500 to $3000. This will allow women escaping DV to be assured that they will have enough money to escape and set up a new life, without having to resort to going back to their abuser. 
2. Put sexual assault and domestic violence frontline services on a three year funding model to ensure they can adequately plan their resources and make long term strategic decisions (such as implementing new programs and make effective hiring decisions).