Dear reader,

Every year on PEGS' anniversary, I take time to reflect, put fingers to the keyboard, and share the lessons, challenges, and successes of our journey. This year is no different.

Six years ago, my family and I needed help—but we were failed by professionals, organisations, and the system itself. We were unseen, unheard, unsupported. Time and again, I was told, “You’re not the only family,” but when I asked, “Who is supporting these families?” I was met with silence. I knew something had to change. So, I turned my pain into power to empower others, and PEGS was born—starting with nothing more than a Google document, an idea, and no funding.

Never did I expect PEGS to grow so quickly, to become so visible, to be such a rollercoaster of learning, challenges, and change. And while I advocate tirelessly for parents, carers, and guardians, I have always maintained a boundary: I do not publicly discuss my own lived experience. My family’s privacy is paramount, and they alone have the right to share their story, should they choose. No one should have to ‘bleed for the cause’—"No” is a full sentence, and those with lived experience deserve to have their no respected.

Sadly, throughout PEGS’ journey, my experience has been used against me. I have been questioned—“Who are you to run an organisation?”, “ Just because you have lived experience, it does not mean you know what families want or need” —and my team, who are simply incredible, have faced scrutiny over their ability to support families, both publicly and behind closed doors. I have even had parts of my experience shared publicly without my knowledge or consent. Five years on, the negativity still lingers, but I’ve learned an important lesson: not everyone can be trusted. Instead of letting this hold me back, I’ve channelled that energy into the work that truly matters—supporting those who need us.

Five years ago, PEGS was just me, wearing every hat, doing every job. Some roles I excelled at, others—not so much (let’s just say I’m grateful for those handling finance and social media!). Now, PEGS has a passionate team dedicated to supporting those impacted by CPA. We have become trusted partners of NHS Safeguarding for England, created a free employer covenant backed by the Department for Work and Pensions, and continue to strengthen partnerships across sectors.

We have worked alongside organisations, local authorities, and entire regions to implement training, protocols, and policy. A shining example is Mid and West Wales, where, through collaboration with partner agencies and those with lived experience, a regional response to CPA now exists—spanning four local authorities, two health boards, various organisations, services, and police. Our PRAM model is operational here too, thanks to the unwavering support of Nat Handcock, her team, and Dafydd Llewelyn, Police Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys.

Looking back, I am immensely proud of how far PEGS has come. We have supported over 8,500 parents, carers, and guardians, receiving around 300 referrals per month, some months this we have received in excess of 500. The biggest challenge remains: capacity versus demand. We have adapted, launched new services, and even reduced our media presence, but the need continues to grow—both across the UK and internationally, proving just how little support is available.

Our advocacy has shaped national policy. We contributed to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, ensuring CPA was included in statutory guidance. In 2022, we launched Child to Parent Abuse Awareness Day (14th October), now recognised internationally. We have held our own events, presented at conferences, campaigned, championed others in the sector, and challenged poor responses when needed.

Despite this progress, we still hear the phrase: “Lessons have been learned.” Yet, we see the same lessons being relearned. Parents, carers, and guardians continue to be blamed, ignored, and silenced. Tragically, some have lost their lives—lives that could have been saved. These individuals live in plain sight within our communities, yet their suffering remains hidden because the person displaying abusive behaviours is their child or grandchild. CPA is where domestic abuse was in the 1960s and 70s—we must work together to drive real change. CPA must be included in policies, forums, and meetings. Parents, carers, and guardians must be placed at the centre of conversations—not because they matter more, but because they matter too.

I remain as determined as ever to bring CPA out of the shadows and amplify the voices of those experiencing it. But these achievements are not mine alone. PEGS would not be where it is without the unwavering dedication of our team and partners. To the PEGS team—you are the driving force behind change. You believe in this mission, and I am beyond proud of you. Thank you for standing with me, for embracing this vision, and for fighting for those who need us. Each of you is an essential part of this puzzle.

To everyone who has supported PEGS along the way—raising awareness, offering guidance, or simply standing with us—please know that I see you, and I appreciate you.



I wish there were no need for PEGS. I wish CPA didn’t exist. But until parents, carers, and guardians no longer need us, until missed opportunities stop happening, and until the same lessons stop being relearned, we will be here—pushing for change, raising awareness, and ensuring no one faces this alone.

Here’s to the next 5 years – I hope you will join us

All my love,

Michelle xxx