Vulnerable Victorians living in care are increasingly being abused, neglected and assaulted - with data showing a 23 per cent rise over the past two years.
The damning results were revealed in an annual report for the state's Office of the Public Advocate, tabled in parliament on Thursday.
In 2018-19, 510 abuse-related issues in mental health, residential and disability services were reported by the advocates, the document revealed.
The number of reports is up from 469 the previous year, and 414 in 2016/17.
In other sectors covered by the advocate, there were 210 issues of physical, sexual and verbal abuse, neglect and financial abuse referred to the Disability Services Commissioner in 2018-19.
The report showed that more than 5000 people with a disability live in group homes across Victoria.
Violence and assaults in mental health facilities rose 77 per cent in the past two years, up from 101 in 2017-18 to 179 in 2018-19.
Public Advocate Colleen Pearce said resident-on-resident violence was common across the sector, while staff were also often injured.
"Insufficient beds is one of the key reasons for assaults and violence in the mental health system because critically unwell people cannot get help until they are at risk to themselves or others," Dr Pearce said.
Staff shortages and retention, coupled with the use of restrictive interventions are among the issues still to be resolved within the sector, the report highlighted.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at and .
