Child to parent abuse describes a pattern of behaviour where a child or young person uses physical, emotional, or financial abuse to control or harm a parent or carer. It is more common than many people realise, and can be deeply isolating for parents who feel ashamed, disbelieved, or afraid that speaking out will lead to consequences for their child. It is not the same as normal teenage conflict — it is a pattern of behaviour that causes real harm. Understanding it is the first step to getting the right support.

• Child and parent abuse (CPA) is estimated to affect around 1 in 10 families in the UK, though it is widely considered to be significantly underreported. (Source: Papadopoulos et al. / PEGS).
• CPA can include physical violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and damage to property — and, like domestic abuse, it is rarely a single incident but a pattern of behaviour over time.
• Parents experiencing CPA are often reluctant to seek help due to shame, fear of not being believed, or concern about consequences for their child. (Source: PEGS research / Holt, S.)
• CPA frequently occurs in families where children have been exposed to domestic abuse — meaning many young people who cause harm have themselves experienced abuse in the home. (Source: Holt, S. 2013 / PEGS).
• Without appropriate intervention, CPA can escalate and continue into adulthood — making early, specialist support crucial for both the young person and the parent or carer.