Teenagers at risk of committing family violence as adults could see their behavior stamped out thanks to a national early intervention trial.
The context: An estimated 2.7 million Australians aged 18 and over were victims of physical or sexual abuse by an adult before the age of 15, according to the ABS.
The key quote: “Supporting children and youth as full victim-survivors and addressing the impacts of developmental trauma to promote healing and recovery will help break future cycles of violence,” said the Minister of Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.
“There are currently only limited and inconsistent services available in Australia that specifically support children and young people who have experienced violence and are either using or at risk of using violence themselves, and this trial will help to bridge this gap. gap.”
What happens next: The program will be supported by $23 million in federal government funding over the next three years, which will be distributed among 12 organizations in the states and territories from November.
The chosen organizations will be tasked with creating a new early intervention program for young men and boys ages 12 to 18 who have had adverse childhood experiences.
These factors include experience of family and domestic violence and who uses or is at risk of using family, domestic or sexual violence.
Supports will include individual counseling, case management and youth mentoring as well as personalized safety plans and assessments.
Each aims to be culturally safe and trauma-informed, and support will be tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of participants.
If you or someone you know is affected by family and domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit
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 .
Anyone seeking information or support regarding child sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.
