In light of data that shows the extent of homelessness caused by family violence, Uniting Care housing co-ordinator Warrick Davison said the issue needed more attention.

The data, released by Council to Homeless Persons, shows 18,000 women presented at homelessness services in Victoria last year with family violence the main cause of their situation.

This is more than a quarter of all the council’s clients.

Mr Davison said family violence was a factor in a large number of the cases he saw in Ballarat.

“It’s not uncommon unfortunately. Family violence and relationship breakdown is one of the major causes of homelessness in Ballarat,” Mr Davison said.

“We need exposure of family violence and not making it hidden behind closed doors any more. 

“If we see it occurring, we need to support people.”

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith said there was an urgent demand for safe, affordable accommodation.

“An incredibly tight private rental market combined with an 11-month wait for public housing means that too many women end up in rooming houses, motels or sleeping in the back of their cars,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said CHP had proposed an investment of $118 million over four years in rapid rehousing programs to assist people who were staying in temporary and crisis accommodation. 

“The investment we’re calling for would help over 5000 people a year to get back into housing fast, preventing the lasting impacts of homelessness,” Ms Smith said.

“We’ve seen a welcome focus on family violence this election, and now we want to see real efforts to tackle the lack of affordable housing as part of a big picture solution.”

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au