Header image

Supporting Young People Using Violence in the Home and in Their Intimate Partnerships

Tracks
MARQUIS ROOM - In-Person Only
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM

Overview

Casey Thorpe, Kiel Brennan & Kaydi Wood, Anglicare Southern Queensland


Presenter

Agenda Item Image
Mr Kiel Brennan
Senior Practitioner
Anglicare Southern Queensland

Supporting Young People Using Violence in the Home and in Their Intimate Partnerships

Presentation Overview

Adolescent family violence (AFV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among young people are emerging as pressing issues within the broader landscape of family and domestic violence. This presentation explores the unique dynamics of violence when adolescents use harmful behaviours within the home, and how intimate partner violence manifests differently in young people compared to adults. Unlike adult perpetrators, adolescents are often still dependent on their families, navigating rapid developmental changes, and may lack the emotional regulation and coping skills needed to manage conflict and stress.
Drawing on our front-line experience of delivering the Safe Futures Youth Support pilot program over the last year, we will discuss the distinct vulnerabilities that place young people at greater risk, including exposure to intergenerational trauma, disrupted attachment, mental health concerns, substance use.
We hope to also considers why rates of AFV and youth IPV are rising, drawing on contemporary research and our frontline practice insights. Contributing factors include the impact of technology and social media, access to services, and the intensification of family stressors. By unpacking these drivers, we aim to highlight the complexity of young people’s use of violence and challenge simplistic narratives that position them solely as “perpetrators”.
We would like to present this all in a Case Study type presentation. And discuss how we work with our young people using the KIND intervention.

Three Key Learnings:
1. What is AFV and IPV in the context of young people today?
2. Why is this issue getting worse? Why is there a rise in its prevalence?
3. Discuss the KIND intervention and things that we know work with young people to reduce their use of violence and improve their relationships?

Biography

Kiel has worked with young people at Anglicare Southern Queensland for the past three years, beginning in the Family Mental Health Support Service before moving into the Safe Futures Program as our Senior Practitioner. Kiel is a Counsellor with a strong commitment to supporting young people through complex challenges, he brings empathy, patience, and practical strategies to his work. Passionate about helping young people understand and change harmful behaviours, he works closely with families to strengthen protective factors and create safer relationships at home. Kiel is dedicated to building trust and providing young people with the tools they need to make positive choices and shape safer, healthier futures.
Agenda Item Image
Ms Kaydi Wood
Practitioner
Anglicare Southern Queensland

Supporting Young People Using Violence in the Home and in Their Intimate Partnerships

Presentation Overview

Adolescent family violence (AFV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among young people are emerging as pressing issues within the broader landscape of family and domestic violence. This presentation explores the unique dynamics of violence when adolescents use harmful behaviours within the home, and how intimate partner violence manifests differently in young people compared to adults. Unlike adult perpetrators, adolescents are often still dependent on their families, navigating rapid developmental changes, and may lack the emotional regulation and coping skills needed to manage conflict and stress.
Drawing on our front-line experience of delivering the Safe Futures Youth Support pilot program over the last year, we will discuss the distinct vulnerabilities that place young people at greater risk, including exposure to intergenerational trauma, disrupted attachment, mental health concerns, substance use.
We hope to also considers why rates of AFV and youth IPV are rising, drawing on contemporary research and our frontline practice insights. Contributing factors include the impact of technology and social media, access to services, and the intensification of family stressors. By unpacking these drivers, we aim to highlight the complexity of young people’s use of violence and challenge simplistic narratives that position them solely as “perpetrators”.
We would like to present this all in a Case Study type presentation. And discuss how we work with our young people using the KIND intervention.

Three Key Learnings:
1. What is AFV and IPV in the context of young people today?
2. Why is this issue getting worse? Why is there a rise in its prevalence?
3. Discuss the KIND intervention and things that we know work with young people to reduce their use of violence and improve their relationships?

Biography

Kaydi is a Social Worker and has a background in homelessness and domestic and family violence, which she brings to her current role as the Practitioner working with young people who use violence. She is committed to supporting young people to understand and change their behaviour while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors. Kaydi works with families to strengthen protective factors, repair relationships where possible, and create safer environments. Her approach recognises the impact of trauma and disadvantage, while holding hope for meaningful change and healthier futures for both young people and those affected by violence
Agenda Item Image
Ms Casey Thorpe
Service Coordinator
Anglicare Southern Queensland

Supporting Young People Using Violence in the Home and in Their Intimate Partnerships

Presentation Overview

Adolescent family violence (AFV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among young people are emerging as pressing issues within the broader landscape of family and domestic violence. This presentation explores the unique dynamics of violence when adolescents use harmful behaviours within the home, and how intimate partner violence manifests differently in young people compared to adults. Unlike adult perpetrators, adolescents are often still dependent on their families, navigating rapid developmental changes, and may lack the emotional regulation and coping skills needed to manage conflict and stress.
Drawing on our front-line experience of delivering the Safe Futures Youth Support pilot program over the last year, we will discuss the distinct vulnerabilities that place young people at greater risk, including exposure to intergenerational trauma, disrupted attachment, mental health concerns, substance use.
We hope to also considers why rates of AFV and youth IPV are rising, drawing on contemporary research and our frontline practice insights. Contributing factors include the impact of technology and social media, access to services, and the intensification of family stressors. By unpacking these drivers, we aim to highlight the complexity of young people’s use of violence and challenge simplistic narratives that position them solely as “perpetrators”.
We would like to present this all in a Case Study type presentation. And discuss how we work with our young people using the KIND intervention.

Three Key Learnings:
1. What is AFV and IPV in the context of young people today?
2. Why is this issue getting worse? Why is there a rise in its prevalence?
3. Discuss the KIND intervention and things that we know work with young people to reduce their use of violence and improve their relationships?

Biography

Casey is the Service Coordinator of the Toowoomba Family & Wellbeing Team with over 15 years’ experience supporting young people, children and their families. Casey provides leadership and guidance to a dedicated multi-disciplinary team working across the Children and Parenting Program, Family Mental Health Support Service and the Safe Futures Youth Support Program. She is committed to ensuring practice is safe, effective, and responsive to the needs of families. Through fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes for both young people and victim survivors. With a depth of knowledge across mental health and family conflict, Casey drives the program’s vision of safer relationships and stronger futures.
loading