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$925 million funding to escape domestic violence a response to ‘national crisis’

Women looking to escape violent relationships will be able to access $5000 in financial support through an almost $1 billion package, as part of national cabinet measures tackling violence against women.

May 01, 2024, updated May 01, 2024
Funding to help women escape domestic violence has been announced by the federal government, following weekend rallies around the nation. Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch

Funding to help women escape domestic violence has been announced by the federal government, following weekend rallies around the nation. Photo: AAP/Lukas Coch

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with state and territory leaders on Wednesday morning to discuss measures to reduce gendered violence.

Under the reforms, the federal government will provide $925 million over five years to set up the leaving violence program, which will provide financial aid and support referrals to women looking to get out of dangerous situations.

The measures will be funded in federal budget in May.

Those eligible will be able to access $5000 in support and receive access to referral services and risk assessments.

National cabinet also agreed to implement measures aimed at addressing misogyny online, specifically aimed at young people.

As part of the move, laws will be introduced that will ban the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography.

A pilot program will be set up for age assurance technology to block access for children to online content such as pornography.

A review of the online safety act will also be carried out a year ahead of schedule.

National cabinet will hold a further meeting on domestic and family violence in the next financial quarter.

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Albanese said tangible action was needed to address the issues.

“This is indeed a national crisis, and it’s a national challenge, and we’re facing this with a spirit of national unity,” he said.

“We want to change this in a way in which we all have to take responsibility, because violence against women is not a women’s problem to solve, it’s a whole of society problem.

“Men in particular have to take responsibility.”

The snap national cabinet meeting was made following large numbers of women being killed in recent weeks, with thousands marching across the country in protest against gendered violence.

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– AAP

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