Rise and Reclaim Episode 4: Rebuilding Finances

Sep 17, 2026

Domestic and family violence can have a lasting impact on financial independence, employment, housing stability, debt, and long-term security. In this episode, we explore what financial recovery looks like, hearing from Tracey, a victim-survivor who rebuilt her financial life after DFV, and Jackie, a financial counsellor at Brisbane Domestic Violence Service who works closely with people navigating financial recovery every day.

Whether you’re currently rebuilding or supporting someone through that journey, this episode offers practical ideas, experience, and reassurance that financial recovery happens step by step.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by Verdella, an online domestic and family violence recovery programme designed to help victim-survivors rebuild in practical, meaningful ways. Verdella is available through licensing partnerships with employers and community service organisations. Learn more at verdella.com.au.

In this episode:

  • Tracey’s story of fleeing with her five children, navigating homelessness, and rebuilding from nothing
  • Practical, everyday budgeting tips for getting back on your feet
  • Jackie’s insight into financial abuse, common early steps to regain control, and the mindset shifts that support long-term recovery
  • A real case study of a woman who had $50,000 in coerced debt removed from her name
  • Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Please note: Several services mentioned in this episode are Queensland-based. If you’re outside Queensland, contact 1800RESPECT (below) to be connected with your local equivalent.

Immediate Support

  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • DVConnect Womensline (QLD): 1800 811 811 | dvconnect.org | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Home Furnishing Support

Financial Support Payments

Update since recording: This episode refers to the Escaping Violence Payment. That trial has now ended. From 1 July 2025, it has been replaced by the Leaving Violence Program, which offers similar financial and support assistance to people leaving intimate partner violence.

  • Leaving Violence Program: 1800 253 283 (1800 2 LEAVE) | leavingviolenceprogram.org.au
  • Centrelink Crisis Payment: Contact Centrelink or ask for a social worker referral | A one-off payment for people experiencing extreme circumstances, including domestic and family violence. Available up to four times in a 12-month period.

Centrelink & Social Security Advocacy

  • Basic Rights Queensland (BRQ): 1800 358 511 | brq.org.au | Free, state-wide advice, advocacy and legal services for Centrelink and social security issues

Debt & Fines Relief

  • Linkt Family Violence Support: Contact Linkt directly and advise you’re impacted by DFV | To discuss waiving toll debt incurred by a perpetrator
  • SPER (State Penalty Enforcement Registry, QLD): sper.qld.gov.au | Dedicated family violence contact line for reviewing fines and penalty debts incurred as a result of a perpetrator’s actions

Credit Report Corrections

If you’re impacted by family violence, you have the right under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) to request a correction to inaccurate, outdated, or unfairly listed information on your credit file, including coerced debt.

Tip from this episode: request a free copy of your credit report from each bureau, review it for anything you don’t recognise or agree with, and if you’ve been financially impacted by DFV, contact the bureau directly to discuss your options.

Housing & Tenancy

  • Tenants Queensland: 1300 744 263 | tenantsqld.org.au | Free tenancy advice for Queensland renters

No-Interest Loans

  • Good Shepherd – No Interest Loans (NILS):goodshep.org.au | No-interest loans for essential items such as whitegoods, and support with rental bonds

Utility & Essential Services Hardship

  • Contact your energy, water, and telecommunications providers directly and ask about their family violence hardship policy. All major providers are required to offer trauma-informed support in this area.
  • If you’re not getting the support you need, the relevant industry ombudsman can help escalate your case.

A note for listeners:

This episode covers topics related to domestic and family violence and its emotional and psychological impact. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If anything comes up for you, support is available.

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

About Verdella:

Rise and Reclaim is proudly brought to you by Verdella, an online domestic violence recovery program that walks alongside people as they rebuild their lives after DFV. Available free to participants through licensed workplaces and community service organisations.

Visit: verdella.com.au to find out more.

Connect with WorkHaven:

workhaven.com.au
hello@workhaven.com.au

Subscribe and follow Rise and Reclaim so you do not miss future episodes. And if this podcast has resonated with you, please share it; you never know who might need to hear it.