Domestic violence victim-survivor and mother of three left without Centrelink payments after perpetrator exploited system

Many domestic violence victim-survivors believe dealing with Centrelink causes ‘further harm’, according to a report. Photograph: Maria Kraynova/Getty Images/EyeEm

A domestic violence victim-survivor and mother of three was left without vital Centrelink payments for six weeks after the perpetrator exploited social security rules and the fraud tip-off line, a legal centre says.

In another case, a fleeing woman was knocked back for a Centrelink crisis payment because she retained hope she could one day return to the home, making her ineligible under social security rules.