Today is National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.

NORWAC (Northern Rivers Women & Children's Services) is holding a Candlelight Vigil to honour the victims of domestic violence will be held today starting at 5:30pm at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium at 152 Keen Street in the Lismore CBD.

Edda Lampis will be the Mistress of Ceremony, Aunty Jenny Smith will be there to Welcome us to Country and other speakers include Mandy Nolan and Emily Finch.

The Ceremonial part of the event will be lead by Alice White, NORWACS Domestic Violence Specialist, where she will read out the names of women killed in 2024 by their intimate partners or family members.

If you could wear purple or black that would be great. Also a reminder to bring a candle and/or a flower. If you would like to bring a placard please do.

NORWACs support workers will be available from 6:30pm to 6:45pm should extra support be required after the event.

Meanwhile, the Albanese Labor Government said it will invest $925.2 million over five years to permanently establis the Leaving Violence Progam, so those escaping violence can receive financial supprt, safety assessments and referrals to support pathways.

The federal government acknowledged this is a national crisis and they want women to know if they need to leave, they can afford to go.

"We understand the insidious links between financial insecurity and stress and vulnerability to family and domestic violence. Too often, financial insecurity can be a barrier to escaping violence," the government said.

"Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning."

Further, the Albanese Government has expanded eligibility for parenting payment single – helping 82,000 more single parents remain on higher payment rates until their youngest child turns 14; legislated ten days paid family and domestic violence leave; increased rent assistance with the largest increase in 30 years; and invested in crisis accommodation and affordable housing for women and children escaping violence. 

Intimate partner violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, with a quarter of all Australian women having experienced it in their lifetime. 

The Leaving Violence Program will support victim-survivors of intimate partner violence to make informed choices about leaving violent relationships and receive the vital support they need.

The Leaving Violence Program is a key initiative in the upcoming May Budget to help support the aims of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 to end violence in one generation. The program will contribute to improved safety, economic security, and independence for victim-survivors.

This makes permanent the Escaping Violence Program trial. More than 45,000 Australians have accessed the EVP payment since 2021. A total of 80 per cent of those accessing the support were self-referrals meaning without this program they may have fallen through the cracks of the support system.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “The heartbreaking reality is that there is no overnight solution to violence against women and children.

“My Government is absolutely committed to making progress to end family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation through our National Plan.

“Today’s announcement builds on our efforts to ensure fewer women feel trapped in a violent relationship because they don’t know if they can afford to leave.”

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said, “Violence against women is a national shame. Every time a woman loses her life at the hands of a man, it is a death that is one too many and we know this is an issue that warrants our focused and serious attention.

“Research has shown us that financial barriers can be a huge impediment to victim-survivors breaking free of a violent relationship and we are determined to reduce those barriers along with providing other supports to assist those fleeing violence.

“We need persistent, consistent and unified action on this issue in order to create real change and this investment will mean there is a permanent lifeline for those people experiencing intimate partner violence.”

The Leaving Violence Program will provide eligible victim-survivors with an individualised financial support package of up to $1,500 in cash and up to $3,500 in goods and services, as well as safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks.

The payment amount will be indexed annually to keep in pace with the rising cost of living, ensuring recipients are given the best support when leaving violent relationships.

The program will commence in mid-2025, following the procurement of an appropriate service provider with family, domestic and sexual violence experience, and the transition of the existing pilots into the program.

Both the Escaping Violence Payment trial and the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot will be extended to 30 June 2025.

For information about both trials visit the DSS website.



If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.