Mother’s fight to overhaul youth justice after vicious attack on daughter

A mother is calling on the state to strengthen youth crime laws after her daughter was viciously attacked by a teen.
Renee’s* 15-year-old daughter was hospitalised earlier this year after being viciously attacked by a girl at Beenleigh station in May.
The injuries were so serious, Renee believes the attacker would have been charged with grievous bodily harm, had she been an adult.
Instead, police opted to give the girl a warning because they preference a diversion approach, in accordance with the requirements of the Youth Justice Act.
“I’ve been told they just get warning after warning and then when they turn 18, even if they did have a conviction or a record, it’ll just be wiped,” Renee told Jess Millward.
“People need to be accountable for their actions. It doesn’t matter what age you are, there should always be consequences for what you do to another human being.”
Seeking some form of justice for her daughter, who now attends weekly counselling sessions, Renee has started a petition to have the laws changed.
“I’ve decided to push it further for my daughter … and for other children that have had to go through an act of violence they don’t deserve,” she said.
“People need proper punishments or rehabilitation or some form of consequence and they might change their action.
Press PLAY below to hear Renee share her story in full
*Renee is used in place of the mother’s real name as she, her daughter, and the attacker cannot be named for legal reasons.
Image: Getty