Adjournment - Adolescent Family Violence

2017-03-09

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Families and Children. Adolescent violence in the home has increased substantially over the last 10 years. Data from Victoria Police from between 2007 and 2012 showed a 40 per cent jump in incidents over that period. More recent data is not available, but those working in the field believe this trend has continued over recent years.

This kind of behaviour, while constituting a component of family violence, requires very specific responses tailored to children's developmental needs and the needs of the family. Where intervention and treatment is not provided early on and is not properly targeted at root causes and risk management, these behaviours are likely to continue into adulthood, potentially extending outside the family and impacting on communities. The Royal Commission into Family Violence made several recommendations in relation to adolescent violence in the home, including this one:

The Victorian government is trialling a community adolescent family violence program in three locations. The program aims to increase the safety of all family members by preventing the escalation of violence, supporting parents and improving the adolescent's communication and problem-solving skills. The initial evaluation findings are positive. If the final evaluation shows success in improving victim safety and changing behaviour, this program should be made available throughout Victoria.

Can the minister provide an update on these programs, including whether a final evaluation has been completed and the findings and implications for further work in this area?