There is an unacceptable level of abuse, neglect and violence in Victoria's disability and mental health facilities.
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That's according to the 2021-22 Community Visitors annual report released this week by the state's Public Advocate.
The number of reported serious incidents jumped at the start of COVID-19 and have since dropped below pre-pandemic levels, however Public Advocate Colleen Pearce said more needs to be done.
"The report reveals unacceptable levels of abuse, neglect and violence in the places people live and receive treatment or support, in both government and non-government services," Ms Pearce wrote.
She cited a "dire" lack of accessible and affordable housing that leads to patients remaining in shocking living situations.
Some 469 incidents were linked to mental health, residential and disability services during 2021-2022, during more than 3400 visits by hundreds of volunteers.
The report raised concerns about a cycle of patients with complex needs being discharged from hospitals and mental health facilities and moving to low-support services where there was violence.
"It is negligent to have evidence that at-risk people are living with violence and do nothing," it said.
It also detailed the negative impacts of some pandemic measures like visitor restrictions, which varied depending on the facility, the impact of staff shortages and concerns about inadequate cleaning.
Case studies included a woman named Jodi who reported being sexually and physically abused by two men while living in a specialist mental health facility.
One of the alleged perpetrators was removed however Jodi had to remain at the unit for months while advocates searched for NDIS-funded support and she still felt unsafe.
The report also detailed issues with finding suitable housing for Christine, a women aged in her 50's with early onset dementia who spent seven months in a mental health unit without dementia-specific support.
No aged care facilities near her family would accept her due to her age, so she faced having to move several hundreds of kilometres away.
The Victorian Government has been approached for comment.
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Australian Associated Press
