Adolescent to Parent Violence: GPs Call for More Support
31 Oct 2025
The RACGP’s Specific Interests Abuse and Violence in Families and Child and Young Person’s Health groups recently held a joint meeting to discuss the topic.
GPs often care for both the adolescent using violence and the parent experiencing it, and report needing more guidance in managing these situations.
Evidence suggests mothers are most commonly the recipients, while adolescents of either gender may use violence, with differing patterns of behaviour. Shame and fear can prevent disclosure, even to protective services.
Risk factors for adolescent to parent violence include disability, emotional regulation challenges, substance use, disengagement from school, or exposure to environments where violence is normalised. GPs can help by recognising the complex developmental, social, and family dynamics at play, providing a safe space for adolescents, and supporting parents without dismissing adolescent development.
The group emphasised that adolescent violence is usually egodystonic—misaligned with the values of both the young person and their family. Approaches such as exploring “how did it become your behaviour?” can help adolescents reflect on their actions. Early intervention is important, as patterns of family violence often begin in childhood and evolve over time.
Recent research supports these observations. The UNCOVER Project found emotional abuse often precedes physical or sexual abuse and highlighted the impact on children and families. Similarly, the Ten to Men study reported that one in three men had used some form of intimate partner violence by 2022, with social support and paternal affection acting as protective factors.
These findings underscore the need for longitudinal research and long-term support for families. GPs play a critical role in recognising early signs, offering support, and helping prevent the escalation of violence within families.
Source: RACGP, Dr Wei-May Su
