Beau Wilson, was alcohol-affected, and became angry, when his step-father arrived at his mother's Sebastopol house on August 19.

Wilson shouted at his step-father to get out of the house, and as he tried to leave, Wilson attempted to punch him, the Ballarat Magistrates Court was told on Thursday.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ben Jones said Wilson punched the victim, causing a cut on the right side of his head.

He said the altercation moved outside where Wilson's mother was knocked over, causing pain to her face and hip. A neighbour then intervened.

Paramedics attended and Wilson's mother was taken to hospital but there were no injuries reported.

Defence lawyer Jon Irwin said his client was very remorseful for the "very serious offending" and urged the court to consider sentencing Wilson to a community correction order.

He said Wilson was kicked out of the family home when he was about 13-years-old, taken to the train station and told to find his father in Melbourne. Wilson believed his step-father was behind this decision.

Mr Irwin said Wilson experienced depression and had issues with binge drinking, which he was addressing through counselling.

"The issue flared up when he had something to say to his step-father and his step-father had something to say to him," Mr Irwin said.

He said Wilson did not intentionally harm his mother.

Magistrate Ron Saines said poor choices made in a family setting prompted significant denunciation.

"Alcohol choices, whether its binge drinking or another form of drug, is detrimental to you - not just in court decisions - but detrimental to your health," Mr Saines said.

"This warrants denunciation. It appears you have had a difficult time in your teens. I can understand there may have been some family stresses because of those issues. "

The magistrate told Wilson the justice system made it clear that no matter how legitimate an offender's reasons were, they should not use violence to deal with conflict.

He said the strong message the court wanted to send was deterrence.

Mr Saines said although Wilson's children did not see the violence, there was a risk they could learn from their father.

"This becomes generational," Mr Saines said. "This is a widespread problem in our community."

Wilson, who pleaded guilty to the charges relating to the incident, was convicted and fined $2000, and ordered to pay $127.40 in court costs.

He was placed on a 12-month community correction order with the requirement he engage in mental health treatment and programs, including anger management and men's behavioural programs.