Financial Support for Visa Holders Experiencing Violence

Visa holders consistently report significantly higher levels of family and domestic violence than Australian citizens and permanent residents. With around 1 in 3 migrant women experiencing some sort of violence in their lives, it is clear that visa holders face specific challenges in accessing support services in Australia. To address this, the Australian Government has implemented several programs and services that provide financial support for visa holders leaving violent relationships. This includes the Escaping Violence Payment Program, the Australian Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence Financial Assistance Program, and the Victims Support Scheme. In this blog, these initiatives are explored in detail, as well as other support services that visa holders can access when escaping violence in Australia.

The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) Program

Set up by the Australian Government and run by the UnitingCare Network, the EVP Program provides financial assistance and confidential support for people who have recently left or are planning to leave a violent relationship. It aims to help individuals move forward and set up their own homes free of violence. Applicants could be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial assistance, which includes:

• Up to $1,500 in cash.
• Up to $3,500 in goods or services. 
• Time-limited support, including casework and other services. 

The EVP Program is available for Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as holders of protected special category visas living in Australia. To access this service, you must be at least 18 years of age and have not accessed the EVP Program within the last 12 months. Additionally, the following criteria must be met:

• You are experiencing intimate partner violence. An intimate partner is someone you have been in a romantic relationship with, such as your husband, wife, partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend.
• You have changed living arrangements within the last 12 weeks due to intimate partner violence. This may involve changing residence, remaining in your home where the perpetrator is no longer living, or planning to move soon.
• You are experiencing financial stress. You may currently be experiencing financial stress, unable to meet financial commitments, or unable to maintain financial independence.

Recently, the Australian Government extended the EVP Program until the 30th of June 2025.

The Australian Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Financial Assistance Program

The Australian Government has invested $6.5 million to provide financial assistance for visa holders who are experiencing family or domestic violence. As a part of this, the Australian Red Cross FDV Financial Assistance Program was established to provide exclusive support for those on temporary visas or with uncertain visa status. The program supports applicants with:

• A financial payment of up to $5,000 to help cover expenses such as accommodation, food, and medical care. 
• Referral to a specialist FDV agency or other service.
• Ongoing support for up to 3 months.

To apply, you will need to check your eligibility online and obtain evidence of the following:

• Visa status. This can include a copy of your passport or Immi card.
• Financial hardship. This can include a bank statement or transaction summary.

If you are uncertain or cannot produce the above documents, you can still apply. After you submit your application, the Australian Red Cross will contact you to discuss it.

The Victims Support Scheme

The Victims Support Scheme is a NSW Government initiative that supports victims of violence and their recovery. It involves a package of practical and financial assistance, including:

• Up to 22 hours of counselling.
• Up to $5,000 in financial support for immediate needs.
• Up to $30,000 in financial support for economic losses.
• Up to $9,500 in financial support for funeral services.
• A recognition payment between $1,500 and $15,000.

The above support is available for anyone who has been injured due to a violent crime in NSW, such as:

• A person injured as a direct result of a violent crime (primary victim).
• A person injured as a direct result of witnessing a violent crime (secondary victim).
• A parent or guardian caring for a child who has been injured as a direct result of a violent crime.
• An immediate family member of a homicide victim (family victim).
• A relative of a homicide victim who is affected by the victim’s death (extended family member).

Other Services

In addition to the above financial support for visa holders, there are a number of free services available for those affected by violence, including:

• Free legal advice: The Community Legal Services Program provides legal support for temporary visa holders escaping violence. This can include legal information and referrals, legal advice, casework, and legal representation. These services can be accessed through the Refugee Advice and Casework Service, the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre, and Women Legal Services New South Wales. Legal Aid and LawAccess New South Wales can also be contacted for free legal advice.
• Free interpreting services: If you are a victim, offender, or witness of violence, you can access free interpreting services through Translating and Interpreting Services.
• The Domestic and Family Violence Support Team: The Department of Home Affairs has a dedicated Domestic and Family Violence Support Team to support migrants experiencing violence in Australia. With permission, support officers can work with authorities and organisations to obtain information about your visa status and, where appropriate, escalate your visa application.

Visa holders often face additional barriers when escaping violence, such as being forced to choose between their safety or financial security. Fortunately, there are many ways in which victims of any form of violence can access financial support in Australia, regardless of their visa status. If you have any questions about the information in this blog, contact us at AustraliaMigrate.