One in 10 cases of domestic abuse is directed at parents from their children with the state suffering a "critical gap" in services to tackle adolescents who use violence in the home.
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Wesley Mission Victoria raises the serious issue of abuse by children on their parents in its submission to the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
"Wesley homelessness service is becoming increasingly aware of the instances of violence perpetrated by adolescent boys and young men toward their parents and in some cases siblings," Wesley says.
"The incidence of adolescent violence toward parents and other family members is significant given the apparent shortage of programs for offenders."
In 2010, 9 per cent of family violence incidents reported to Victoria police involved parents as victims from adolescent children. Over a nine-year period to 2009 the Department of Justice recorded that 13 per cent of all cases involved incidents where parents of adolescent or adult children were victims of violence.
Wesley Mission believes that it is quite possible that reported incidence of adolescent violence is under-reported.
"In addition to the physical and emotional impact of violence itself, parents report shame, guilt and embarrassment of being victims of abuse by their children and feeling blamed by the professional to whom they disclose."
Wesley Mission urges the royal commission to look at this issue saying there is "a critical gap" regarding services and programs for adolescents who use violence.
It says specialised programs must be made a priority with a focus on treatment schemes that "maximise" the opportunity for early intervention. Wesley believes behavioural programs would contribute significantly to the system.
There is concern that violent adolescents are currently treated by adult programs that are "inappropriate".
Anglicare Lilydale previously ran a specialised program for violent adolescent offenders called 'Boys to Men' but the project was closed in 2014 due to funding cuts.
For help in a crisis call 000. For help or information regarding domestic violence call the Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au
The Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
