A former children's domestic violence support worker has been sentenced after pleading guilty to assaulting her autistic teenage son at their home in Hervey Bay, Queensland.

The 39-year-old woman appeared in Hervey Bay District Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026, where she pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm. Her identity has been withheld to protect her son's identity.

The court heard that the incident occurred in January 2025. At the time, the woman had worked for seven years at a service supporting children who had experienced, or were at risk of experiencing, harm. She had also accepted a position with another organisation as a specialist domestic violence practitioner.

During the court proceedings, the defence explained that the woman had been experiencing emotional distress over leaving her long-time employer. On the day of the assault, she had returned home after spending the day managing a client who was experiencing conflict with their child.

The court heard that she was pacing and crying before becoming involved in an argument with her son. During the confrontation, she threw her phone at him, rushed towards him and punched him in the face. The teenager sustained a deviated septum, nosebleeds and bruising around his eye sockets. Following the incident, he packed his belongings and moved to his father's home, where he remained. The court was told that he had not spoken with his mother since the assault.

The woman's barrister said her client regretted her actions and had herself experienced domestic violence in the past. The court also heard that her blue card, which is required for eligible child-related work in Queensland, had been cancelled following the incident.

The judge expressed disappointment that a person whose professional work involved supporting children affected by domestic violence had assaulted her own child. The court ultimately sentenced the woman to 18 months' probation and ordered her to pay A$3,000 in compensation to her son by June 2027. No conviction was recorded.

The case highlights the serious consequences of violence within families, including when the person responsible works in a role designed to protect vulnerable children. The sentence reflects the court's consideration of the offence and the circumstances presented during the proceedings.