Women and children escaping family violence will have the safe and secure accommodation they need to rebuild their lives.
Building on the Andrews Labor Government’s record investment, the Victorian Budget 2017/18 includes $133.2 million for extra long-term housing, more rental assistance, improved crisis accommodation and better support for victims of Family Violence.
To make sure victim survivors have access to safe, stable and affordable accommodation, $50 million will go towards delivering 110 public housing properties and an expansion of the successful head leasing program, which helps victims find rental properties.
For victim survivors and their children, it will mean a smoother transition out of crisis accommodation and into a more stable and secure home.
Thirteen family violence refuges will be upgraded to provide secure individual unit accommodation, as part of the ‘core and cluster’ model by 2020. This investment delivers on the Royal Commission into Family Violence’s recommendation that all family violence refuges be replaced with this model.
Funding will also go to help refuges support women with no income, and two new Aboriginal family violence refuges will be established.
This builds on the Labor Government’s $2.7 billion investment in housing and homelessness support, including its $152 million Family Violence Housing blitz in rapid housing, crisis accommodation and rental brokerage.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“It’s unacceptable that victim survivors are forced to choose between staying in a violent home and the streets.”
“This investment matters, it’s more than just bricks and mortar – this will keep women and their children safe.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“We know family violence is the number one driver of homelessness. We’re making sure victim survivors can access safe, stable and affordable accommodation.”
“With a roof over their head, women and their children can begin to recover and rebuild their lives.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020