Melton is the only affordable Melbourne suburb for Victorian families fleeing violence and women at risk of homelessness.
The Council to Homeless Persons report compares the average weekly female wage for Victoria – $842 a week – with median weekly rents by suburb.
The report shows that Melton, a 40-minute drive north-west of Melbourne’s central business district and with a median weekly rent of $245 for a two-bedroom house, is the only suburb considered affordable.
Based on the figures, moving to the next most affordable suburbs – Werribee, Pakenham, St Albans or Sunshine, with median rents of between $270 and $280 a week – would tip working women into what the study considers “housing stress”.
The shortage of housing for families fleeing violence is an issue the Royal Commission into Family Violence will confront. The commission’s first public hearing will be on July 13.
Related: Family violence focus ‘off balance’, says Melton council
Women’s Health West chief executive Robyn Gregory said the commission needed to address links between family violence, housing and homelessness in Victoria.
“One of the key factors as to why women don’t leave violent relationships is the issue of where they can go when they do leave,” Dr Gregory said. “They need to go somewhere where there are good schools and public transport, and Melton might just be that place.
“There must be a coherent statewide housing policy and scheme introduced that can provide women leaving family violence with more options for safe, affordable and secure housing than currently exist.”
She said options should range from social housing to private rentals and home ownership.
“Government leadership and investment is essential here.”
Women’s Health West is one of 129 Victorian organisations that have signed a joint submission on family violence, homelessness and affordable housing that has been submitted to the royal commission.
■ In a crisis, call triple-0. For help with family violence, call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732.
