Starting with the Young Person

The Starting with the Young Person symposium will bring together peak bodies, sector leaders, academics and government stakeholders to better understand the nature of adolescent violence in the home and how we can respond earlier to support young people and families.

Studies show that children and adolescents who use violence in the home are often themselves victims of family violence or child abuse. Adverse childhood experiences, mental health problems, disability, learning difficulties, and problematic substance use can also contribute to use of violence. Police and legal interventions are often the only options available for families when an adolescent family violence situation reaches crisis point. However, this line of response represents a critical missed opportunity for services to intervene early with developmentally appropriate, therapeutic approaches.