CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (15:31): Last Friday, I attended the launch of a booklet Walking on eggshells: child and adolescent violence in the family, a South Australian information and advice booklet for parents and carers. I was aware that child violence in the family was becoming a more difficult problem in society. It was raised at a domestic violence forum that I attended way back in 2001, I think it was, but I had no idea of the extent and nature of this problem until I heard the excellent addresses at this launch. The little information card that was also launched says:

You are not alone—this behaviour is happening in many other families too.

It is estimated that between 10 and 15% of young people behave violently and abusively towards other family members. However the real figure may be far higher because of the silence surrounding the problem.

Parents have said:

We are unable to relax...we are walking on eggshells 24/7.

The Flinders University law department became aware of the problems through research that they were doing, particularly a report 'Exposing the dark side of parenting: a report on parents' experiences of family violence'. As a result of this, they organised $10,000 through the Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership and worked with Relationships Australia, Southern Junction Community Services, Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre, CAMHS, Southern Domestic Violence Service, Cove Youth and Reconnect, among others, to put together some practical advice for parents.

They have produced a very attractive and easy to read booklet. In fact, I think it is one of the most useful booklets I have ever seen, despite having written some myself. The table of contents reads:

Introduction

What is it?

But...isn't the occasional abusive outburst common in young people?

What you might be experiencing

Other possible effects

Why is it happening?

Parenting Practices

Taking action

Take a stand!

Consequences

Setting consequences

Sometimes things will get harder first

Reflecting on your responses and beliefs

A safety plan

What if I call the police?

More about police involvement

How friends can help

Looking towards a better future

Seeking support

What support is available?

Contact numbers for young people

Further information

Emergency contact numbers

Among the things I learnt was that, contrary to my expectation that this was likely to be a problem more for mothers, it is, in fact, a problem for both mothers and fathers. I would imagine that fathers would feel particularly humiliated at times to find that their child is abusing them physically as well as with language. It seems from the case studies presented that it is very difficult for parents to work out when the child stops just being a bit of a naughty child and starts becoming abusive and violent. It is also very difficult for them to work out what is normal teenage behaviour, because we all know that teenagers are not always entirely rational, and when the line is crossed so that abuse and violence take over.

There was a wide range of agencies at the gathering, including the police, who have been involved in this project, and there was also an indication that, fortunately, help is available from a number of services. The excellent working party is also in the final stages of putting together a seminar for service providers, which will distribute more widely the information they have gained through this research project and collaboration with service providers.

Last night, I attended the excellent O'Sullivan Beach Primary School governing council meeting. I took a copy of the booklet along with me to let them know about it because it was suggested that this behaviour can start from the age of 10. They all knew about the problem, and they were very pleased that there are some answers.