Child-to-Parent Abuse

Child-to-parent-abuse (CPA_ or adolescent-to-parent abuse (APA) is any behaviour used by a child or young person to control, dominate or coerce parents, and is more common than you might imagine. It can include emotional, verbal, physical or financial abuse and includes “coercive control”, or in other words, the parent or other adult is compelled to change their own behaviours for fear of further abuse.

If you are a parent, step-parent, grandparent or someone in any type of parental role who is experiencing this, you are probably feeling some or all of the following:

  • Shame and confusion – what is happening? What have I done wrong?
  • Afraid of being blamed and judged – by others in your family/community, teachers, social workers etc
  • Fear – for yourself and also for your child or young person – what will happen to them if I ask for help?
  • At a loss as to what to do

For support with this you can phone our helpline on 01273 622822.

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Child-to-Parent Abuse