The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) was delivered through two trial programs: a national program and a place-based program. A report on the national program evaluation was published in 2023. This evaluation is of the EVP place-based trial, which provided specialised and culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other people located in the Cairns region as well as Cape York and the Torres Strait. 

The EVP programs were established to reduce the financial barriers associated with leaving violent intimate partner relationships. Both programs involved the provision of up to $5,000 in financial assistance as well as supporting people over a 12-week period, including through referral to other services. 

The place-based evaluation used a multi-method approach to assess three criteria: effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness. The evaluation team reviewed academic and grey literature, administrative data and undertook qualitative interviews with 40 clients and 40 referral agencies/stakeholders. 

Key findings 

• Providing a brokerage payment through a place-based provider can be effective in extending the reach of a national program.
• The EVP continues to be highly effective in supporting people leaving violent relationships.
• The place-based trial was characterised by a high cost to deliver, however, this additional cost appears to be required to achieve more equitable service access for some clients, including people with specific cultural and complex needs and located in remote areas.
• The place-based trial has worked well to illustrate the practice and benefits of culturally appropriate service delivery, despite being under-subscribed.