Child to Parent/Carer Abuse – Signs to Look For and Where to Seek Help
Fact Checked
Written by Ella Fraser - Paralegal in the Children Law team at Ringrose Law | Law with Criminology Degree
28th September 2023
This article is written by Ella Fraser from Ringrose Law, our exclusive family law solicitors in Sleaford. In this article, Ella discusses what CPCA is, the signs of CPCA and where to seek help.
What is CPCA?
Child to Parent/Carer Abuse (CPCA) involves a wide range abusive, controlling and violent behaviour from a child against a Parent/Carer. This form of family abuse is heavily under reported and stigmatised. Effects of abuse may lead to Parent’s/Carer’s feeling shame and self-blame, often impacting upon their parenting confidence and ability. However, an important message to remember is that CPCA is not a parenting issue and is instead abuse.
A child between 16-18 years old will fall under the current definition of Domestic Abuse. However, where a child of any age is inflicting abuse on the Parent/Carer, a multi-agency approach may be necessary as the abuse often affects the entire family and becomes a safeguarding issue for all involved. The multi-agency response will retain the prime focus of promoting a safeguarding response by ensuring that a restorative, safe and whole family approach is taken to aid in resolving issues. Children’s services may work together with the child and family to identify required support to reduce the concerns identified and specialist domestic abuse support may also be required.
What are the signs of CPCA?
CPCA can display a pattern of consistent abuse which may include, but is not limited to:
– Physical abuse and violence
– Emotional abuse/manipulation
– Financial/economic abuse
– Heightened sexualised behaviours
– Damaging property
– Humiliation
– Threatening behaviour
– Control
– Stealing
– Feeling isolated from other family members
– Feeling as though you are treading on eggshells
What are the differences to domestic abuse?
Whilst CPCA shares many similarities to domestic abuse in that it occurs in intimate relationships perhaps within private/family spaces, there are also differences:
– Parents/Carers are likely to be reluctant to terminate their relationship with their child
– Parents/Carers still retain ethical and legal responsibility for the child
– Parents/Carers may be more powerful than the child, such as having access to a wider range of resources than the child
– CPCA is an area lacking in policy and practice direction
We can help
Child to Parent/Carer abuse is a serious matter and is a form of family abuse that requires us to work together to remove the shame and stigma that is attached to this form of abuse to prevent incidents from being under-reported.
If you are a victim of this form of abuse or any form of domestic abuse, please do not hesitate to reach out on any of the contact numbers provided below to access the help, support and protection that you deserve.
Here at Ringrose Law, we offer a 24-Hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 07739 748675. Alternatively, you can email wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk to access the support you need.
National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070 or alternatively text “NCDV” to 60777.
Lincolnshire Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency
Ella Fraser is a Paralegal in the Children Law team at Ringrose Law, specialising in children and Domestic Abuse across Lincolnshire.
