Leaving violence costs have risen 71% since 2016
Leaving domestic and family violence now costs $7,017, up 71% from $4,098 in 2016, according to Anglicare Sydney research released on 22 July 2026.
Anglicare Sydney compared immediate costs such as bond, moving truck rental and temporary accommodation with the later costs of rebuilding a household and establishing safety.
The 2026 analysis found those costs have risen much faster than inflation over the past decade.
Rent and bond costs have more than doubled since 2016. Meanwhile, fuel and childcare costs are both more than 50% higher in 2026 than in 2016.
Claire Dunlop, Anglicare Sydney’s General Manager of Relationships and Wellbeing, said the figures show how money pressures can block a path to safety.
“To see that the cost of leaving a violent home has risen 71% in ten years is confronting, because behind every number is a person trying to reach safety,” Dunlop said.
According to Anglicare Sydney, many victim-survivors must find housing, organise transport, manage childcare, keep or find work, and rebuild financial stability at the same time.
Many victim-survivors do that without savings, stable housing or reliable support networks. Some also plan around an offender’s movements or surveillance to avoid detection.
Dunlop said the research puts numbers on a problem support services already see across 2026.
Anglicare Sydney also reported more cases of coercive control involving debts built up in a victim-survivor’s name. That can mean forced financial dependence, restricted access to funds and damaged credit histories.
As a result, some people cannot access secure housing or credit, obtain utilities or establish financial independence after leaving violence.
Financial preparation can help people maintain independence and stability when they leave an unsafe situation.
Anglicare Sydney support calls
On 22 July 2026, Anglicare Sydney called for stronger immediate financial support for victim-survivors.
The organisation wants the Leaving Violence programme lifted from $5,000 to $7,000, with future increases indexed to CPI.
Anglicare Sydney also wants broader access to no-interest loans and emergency brokerage funding for essentials such as bond assistance, whitegoods, childcare and relocation costs.
The charity is seeking 3,000 additional long-term social and affordable homes each year for people leaving violence.
In addition, Anglicare Sydney wants paid domestic and family violence leave increased from 10 days to 15 days.
“People know support services exist. But during a housing and cost-of-living crisis, further support is needed to ensure safety is accessible, achievable and sustainable for everyone,” Dunlop said.
The full report is available from Anglicare Sydney at www.anglicare.org.au/impact/.
