This article explores the subject of adolescent violence towards parents, and evaluates a group-based intervention programme designed to help mothers understand and deal effectively with their adolescent child's abusive behaviour. The participants were recruited mainly through self-referral, and were all mothers who were victims of violence by their adolescent children. The group intervention strategy was evaluated using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The findings reveal a reduction in violence, but the mothers continued to experience depression and other mental health problems. The women in the study did disclose various positive outcomes from participating in the group, such as feeling empowered, support from others in a similar situation, and developing a sense of self.

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy 23(2) 2002 : 90-100