Changes to Emergency Monetary Relief in the Domestic Violence Act

The impact of domestic violence isn’t just emotional, it often comes with some unexpected financial pressures too. That is why the Domestic Violence Act makes provision for “emergency monetary relief.” This aspect has been updated, and the amendments make a big difference for victims and their families.

Before the amendments, emergency monetary relief only covered a few things: loss of income, medical or dental bills, costs of moving or finding accommodation, and basic household needs. It was also limited to losses at the time a protection order was issued. In other words, the relief available to applicants was strictly restitution, placing you in the financial position had you not suffered such damages.

Presently however the law covers medical and dental expenses, but also optical and related healthcare costs, school fees, transport costs, and even counselling or psychosocial services. Importantly, it also includes maintenance for dependants of the complainant. Relief can apply to losses that happened before the protection order is granted or to imminent necessary expenses.

This expansion of the relief available to applicants demonstrate recognition that domestic violence affects every part of life not just safety, but also health, stability, and the ability to care for loved ones. By expanding emergency monetary relief, the law is helping to ease the burden on victims while they rebuild their lives.