Perth Mother's Death Leads to Calls for Earlier Help in Teen Family Violence

By Pip Waller

By Courtney Withers

Topic: Teen Health

Saturday, 25 July 2026, at 10:07 am

Saturday, 25 July 2026, at 11:02 am

A 16-year-old boy is accused of killing his mother and trying to kill his sister in Perth.

Family violence helpers want more support to stop teen violence at home after a 16-year-old Perth boy was charged with killing his mother and trying to kill his sister.

The focus is on family violence after a boy allegedly killed his mother and tried to kill his sister in Perth.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said police have seen more family violence reports, including children being violent to their parents.

Col Blanch said family violence reports are increasing across Australia and the world.

Col Blanch talked about the increase in family violence reports, including children being violent to their parents.

The ABC asked WA Police for specific data, but it was not available.

Jolene Ellat from the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Institute said demand for help with teen violence at home has grown in the past year.

Organizations are asking for training to deal with teen violence at home because they see more abusive behaviors.

This is not normal teen conflict.

There is coercive control, and family members are scared or changing their behavior because of how a young person might react.

The boy's mother was found dead in a home in Bentley.

Jolene Ellat said there is no single reason for teen violence, which is often influenced by many complex factors.

Mental health issues, brain development problems, substance use, or trouble controlling emotions can contribute to violence, but they do not cause it.

It is essential to notice and stop abusive behaviors early, rather than labeling young people as violent.

Jolene Ellat is the head of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group.

We need more services and resources to help families without shame or stigma and more training.

WA minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said stopping family and domestic violence is everyone's responsibility.

The government is doing everything it can, but it is a community issue that everyone needs to address.

A WA Police spokesperson said family and domestic violence is the top priority, with officers working to protect victims and punish offenders.

Early help is crucial.

Warning signs of teen violence include intimidation, controlling behavior, financial abuse, and parents changing their behavior due to fear.

Family and domestic violence support services are available.

Child psychologist Phil Watts encouraged parents to seek help before behaviors escalate.

When aggression becomes a pattern, it is a sign of a problem.

Parents need to get help early, but there are not many services available in WA.

This is an opportunity for agencies and society to think about how to target the issue better.

Dr. Phil Watts urged parents to seek help early.

We want to reduce violence, but it is everywhere in our society.

Violence is a part of our society, and it can be seen on TV.

Phil Watts says there is violence everywhere on TV.

Breaking the stigma

The police commissioner said violence from children against parents is under-reported because parents are reluctant to report crimes against their children.

Monash University professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon said shame prevents parents from seeking help.

Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon says more needs to be done to address barriers to seeking help.

Parents are afraid to report because they think it reflects poorly on them.

The person using violence is responsible, not the parent.

A 16-year-old boy is charged with killing his mother and trying to kill his sister.

Professor Fitz-Gibbon called for governments to address barriers to seeking help.

This is a national crisis that requires a response from all governments.

Until we act, we will see more horrific cases.

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