Understanding and Tackling Adolescent to Parent Violence

Adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) is a form of violence that has remained largely unexplored, until recent years. Studies show that APV is a growing problem with a severe impact on the family system.

This three-week course from Central Queensland University will introduce and define the concept of APV in clear terms and teach you how to identify the causes of APV such as interpersonal trauma, mental health issues, and family history of domestic violence.

Attachment theory is a psychological, ethological, and evolutionary theory that analyses the emotional bonds or relationships between people.

On this course, you’ll explore aspects of attachment theory to understand the science of attachment and the neuroscience behind the rejection of attachment and how they relate to parental capacity and APV.

On the final week of this course, you’ll focus on an essential aspect of understanding and tackling APV: practical responses and client support.

You’ll learn to assess safety and risk in a case plan, describe emotional regulation activities and implement them in a case plan, and develop a non-violence plan. This will equip you with the transferable skills and tools you need to help your clients.

The course lead, Dr. Dave Burck, is a child counsellor at Youth and Family Services in Queensland and has ten years of experience working in domestic violence and childhood trauma.

Equipped with knowledge and experience from the educator on this course, you’ll be best positioned to provide support and safety measures to families who experience APV.