The council determined that a major obstacle for women wanting to escape family violence is the lack of safe, alternative accommodation arrangements. The decision to move from a violent family situation presents the victim with a series of possible accommodation options. Policies of the Australian federal government have a significant impact on the supply and affordability of housing. Most programs providing assistance to women and children who leave violent family situations are the result of joint funding arrangements between the federal government and individual states. Funded programs include public housing; special housing programs for aborigines, the elderly, and persons with disabilities; crisis accommodation programs; local government and community housing projects; mortgage and rent assistance programs; and home purchase assistance schemes. Government housing programs and services in Victoria are the responsibility of Community Services Victoria, the Department of Planning and Housing, Housing and Construction Victoria, and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Victoria has a women's refuge system, financial assistance programs, direct tenure public rental housing, rental cooperatives, and home ownership assistance. Issues and difficulties associated with the provision of accommodation services to family violence victims are identified, and specific recommendations to improve service delivery are offered. A summary of recommendations is provided in an appendix. References