Victorian domestic violence victims wait two years for public housing, data shows

Advocates fear blowout in wait time could force people to choose between homelessness or staying in an abusive relationship

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Victorians fleeing family violence are waiting almost two years for public or social housing, with advocates concerned the delay could force people to chose between remaining with an abuser or becoming homeless.

Data from the latest Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) annual report, tabled in parliament on Wednesday, shows the average wait time for public rental housing" for people fleeing family violence is 23.6 months, up from 17.1 months recorded in 2021-22. In 2020-21, that waiting time was 11.1 months.

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