Housing for Vic family violence victims

Women and children fleeing family violence will have a safe place to call home with 20 units being built in Melbourne.

Construction will soon begin on nine one-bedroom and eleven two-bedroom homes in Newport that will provide low-cost housing for women already on the public housing waiting list.

Consumer Affairs minister Marlene Kairouz said rent will be set at a maximum of 75 per cent of market price or 30 per cent of a household's income.

"We're working to make a significant difference in the lives of women fleeing family violence by providing affordable, long-term housing in an area close to the services and job opportunities they need," Ms Kairouz said at the sod turning at the site on Wednesday.

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.