In Australia, these cultures and subcultures are characterised by poverty and marginalisation. For some disadvantaged boys, violence is a way of proving masculinity and thereby claiming social status and power. Children who have experienced family violence are at a much higher risk of becoming perpetrators and have a far greater acceptance of violence as a means of control. Despite this, most children who have witnessed or are victims of violence in their families do not go on to be perpetrators. Childhood years before 12 are critical in the establishment of aggressive and violent response styles.
Adolescence can be crucial to the formation of healthy, non-violent relationships later in life.
It can be an opportune time to challenge destructive gender relations before they are set in adulthood. Research into adolescent violence prevention shows growing support for a holistic approach, with strategies targeting young people that integrate safe school policies, educational goals and social skills courses. The school is seen as an important violence prevention institution. Schools should offer some system of early warning and referral of either victims or perpetrators of relationship violence. Violence prevention programs for adolescents need to include the school but also be highly integrated with other community resources and developments.