The number of Koori women in Victorian jails has doubled and the problem will only get worse without appropriate diversionary programs, the state's human rights commissioner says.
Twice as many Koori women are in prison - 28 - compared to five years ago, a Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission report says.
Acting commissioner Chris Humphreys said the numbers were growing rapidly but could be reduced with appropriate programs.
"If we don't do something about it, the problem is only going to get worse with the rate of women entering the prison system continuing to increase," Mr Humphreys said on Monday.
Mr Humphreys said the courts had let down Koori women, who account for about one in 10 female prisoners in Victoria.
He said a "one size fits all approach" was not working and there was a pressing need for appropriate diversionary options for Koori women, including residential options and drug and alcohol programs for those on remand.
"Effective diversion requires a safe place to live. A lack of pre- and post-sentence residential options is a significant barrier to a Koori woman staying out of jail or being placed on remand," he said.
"While there are some community residential services available to Koori men, there are none for women."
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation CEO Jill Gallagher said some Koori women were struggling to break the cycle due to a shortage of community rehabilitation facilities.
"We must get better at providing drug and alcohol treatment, mental health programs of equality and effectiveness to address these issues across the Aboriginal community," she said.
