The Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette Berry has announced new measures to provide more accessible support for people impacted by family violence.
Ms Berry said changes had been made to the Safer Families Grants Program to allow easier access to grants of up to $2,000.
“Safer Families Grants are a critical component of the Safer Families package announced in 2016,” Ms Berry said.
“Grants are available to assist people who have experienced, or are experiencing, domestic and family violence to rebuild their lives, with a total of $409,000 in funding committed over four years in the 2018-19 Budget.”
She said the grant was previously linked to the Housing ACT Rental Bonds Loan Scheme, designed to assist with the costs of moving, buying furniture and white goods, and paying utilities and rent.
“Under the new arrangement, a person no longer has to apply for a rental bond loan to be eligible, and the range of assistance that a person can apply for has expanded to include legal costs, pet care, mortgage and rental payments and other costs associated with establishing or sustaining a family home,” Ms Berry said.
“The revised program also expands the referral pathways to now include private, community, Government, social and health and justice sector Agencies that work with people to address the impact of family violence, as well as the Domestic Violence Crisis Service,” she said.
