The Safer in the Home Program provides support for women and children experiencing family violence to stay in their housing, when it is safe to do so. Limited brokerage can be used to increase the security of properties. Safer in the Home programs are available through the Salvation Army
Interest Free Loans for women in refuges
Should a refuge have a woman in their care with an urgent need, and no funds can be found elsewhere, the refuge may apply to Impact for an interest-free loan.
School support for children in refuges
Impact will offer Bursaries to children in Refuge needing to relocate schools to cover the costs of uniforms, textbooks, stationary and excursions.
The Victims Assistance Program provides brokerage for victims of crime, including victims of family violence. Brokerage is generally used for clients of the service, with a focus on recovery from the crime, but the service will consider partnering with other organisations in relation to brokerage costs.
Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative
Safe Steps facilitate the Disability Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative. This initiative supports victim survivors of family violence living with a disability, or who have disability needs, including temporary conditions and conditions due to family violence. Carers and parents of a child with a disability can also access support.
Professionals can contact Safe Steps Specialist Family Violence Disability Liaison Officers via [email protected] to access brokerage assistance for their clients, as well as secondary consultations and information regarding the initiative.
Escaping Violence Program (EVP) payment trial
To read about eligibility criteria and/or to apply for EVP funding go to Uniting’s website here
EVP Fact Sheet For information on the program
Housing Establishment Fund (HEF)The Housing Establishment Fund assists individuals to access and /or to maintain private rental housing, or to access emergency short-term (usually overnight) accommodation for people in crisis who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT)VOCAT provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime committed in Victoria. VOCAT assists victims to recover by providing financial assistance for expenses incurred, or reasonably likely to be incurred, as a direct result of the crime.
For more urgent needs, an application for interim financial assistance (generally medical, counselling or funeral expenses) can be made prior to the final determination of an application for financial assistance.
Family Violence Scheme – Fines VictoriaThe Family Violence Scheme supports people affected by family violence.The scheme allows people to apply to have their infringement fines withdrawn if family violence substantially contributed to the offence or it is not safe for them to name the responsible person. Find further information about the Family Violence Scheme. Ph: 1300 019 983.
State Schools ReliefState Schools’ Relief provides support to any Victorian student attending a government school (primary, secondary or specialist), on the advice of the school. Schools are able to submit an application directly, via the SSR online portal, whenever they believe there is a need to support a student whose family/carers are facing difficulty in providing the appropriate uniform, footwear or educational items for attending school. Situations include, but are not limited to:
- Unemployment
- Health issues/illness
- Financial difficulties
- Independent living and/or homelessness
- Natural disasters, house fires
- Bereavement
- Domestic violence
All applications are processed within 24 – 48 hours and you will receive confirmation of application/s by email. Orders will then be delivered within 4 working days. Please note the School needs to submit the application on behalf of families, further information is available here: stateschoolsrelief.org.au/schools
Good Shepherd Financial Independence HubA free and confidential service to support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence to move forward with managing their finances, particularly in rebuilding after financial abuse. One-on-one support provided – conversations about money, including managing debts, budgeting, work options and more, as well as referrals to other relevant services.
Centrelink Crisis PaymentCentrelink’s Crisis Payment is for victims of family violence, and is a one-off payment equal to a week’s payment at a person’s existing income support payment rate. The Crisis Payment does not include extra allowances or supplements.
Get Active Victoria – Kids Voucher ProgramThe Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms and equipment. Eligible children may be able to receive up to $200 each per round. Children must be aged 0 to 18 and named on a valid and issued Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and Medicare card to be eligible.
Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence Financial Assistance Program Australian Red Cross’ financial assistance program will provide financial assistance and casework support to eligible people on temporary visas, or with uncertain visa status, experiencing family and domestic violence, and in need of financial support. The FDV Financial Assistance program can help you with payments of up to $3,000, referral to a specialist FDV agency or other services, and casework support for up to 3 months (upon assessment).
VicGov’s guide to discounts and services for eligible households – click here to access the website and learn more
Harmony Alliance have developed a resource to assist professionals to write grants (a fund/amount of money given to a not-for profit group or project for a specific purpose linked to a public benefit) – click here to download
No Interest Loans (NILs) Safe and affordable government funded credit, with 0% interest and no fees and charges. Borrow up to $2,000 for essentials including whitegoods, educational expenses, car repairs and registration, medical expenses and more. Borrow up to $3,000 for bond or rent in advance. Submit your invoice and NILs will pay the cost of these essentials straight to the supplier / vendor. Loans cannot be used for cash, bills or debts.
The Homeless Children’s Brokerage Program aims to enhance opportunities for children experiencing homelessness and family violence to:
- Reduce social isolation through access to a range of support, social and recreational opportunities.
- Engage in social/emotional growth opportunities and increase relational bonds with parents or carers.
- Maintain education, including early education services such as childcare and kindergarten.
- Encourage access to preventative health and dental services.
Funds are for accompanying, dependent children aged 0-18 years of current clients of homelessness and family violence funded support services receiving case management.
Funds are limited to grants of $400 per financial year and may be taken in a lump sum or over several applications.
https://www.ehn.org.au/practitioner-resources/homeless-childrens-brokerage-support-project_245s139