Raising Awareness for Child to Parent Abuse: October 14th

Launched on October 14th 2022 by social enterprise PEGS, Child to Parent Abuse (CPA) Awareness Day is a day dedicated to drawing attention to a form of domestic abuse that is often overlooked: the abuse of parents by their children. Child to parent abuse is a growing but largely silent issue, affecting families from all walks of life. This day serves as an important reminder that family abuse is not just about intimate partner abuse—it can occur in the parent-child relationship as well.

What is Child to Parent Abuse?

Child to Parent Abuse refers to any kind of physical, verbal, emotional, or financial abuse that a child directs towards their parent or caregiver. While it is more commonly seen during adolescence, CPA can begin at any age. Parental figures report experiencing behaviours such as:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, kicking, or other physical actions toward parents.
• Verbal abuse: Yelling, threatening, or belittling language.
• Emotional abuse: Manipulating, controlling, or using emotional tactics to harm the parent.
• Financial abuse: Stealing or controlling access to money and resources.

What makes CPA unique—and difficult to talk about—is that it challenges the traditional view of the parent-child relationship. Parents are often viewed as the ones in control, so when that dynamic is flipped, it can be difficult to recognise, admit, or address. This imbalance makes it easy for child to parent abuse to remain hidden, even as it devastates families.

How Common is Child to Parent Abuse?

Although there is a lack of comprehensive data on CPA, studies suggest it is far more common than many might think. In some countries, it's estimated that around 5-10% of families experience some form of child to parent abuse, though it is likely underreported. Many parents feel isolated, ashamed, or confused about what is happening in their homes, which leads to silence and underreporting.

The secrecy surrounding CPA also contributes to the lack of public understanding. Because many people don’t know this kind of abuse exists—or how to recognize it—parents often don’t seek help. They may blame themselves, feel that they’ve failed in their role as a parent, or fear judgement from others.

The Impact of Child to Parent Abuse

Child to parent abuse has profound and far-reaching effects on families. For parents, the emotional toll can be enormous. Feelings of fear, shame, helplessness, and isolation often accompany the experience. Many parents feel trapped, unable to talk about their situation with others for fear of being blamed or judged. They may also struggle with guilt, feeling they’ve failed as parents or that they deserve the abuse.

This type of abuse also destabilises the family environment. Other children in the household may be affected by the aggression, either as direct targets or witnesses to the conflict. The stress, anxiety, and tension can tear apart the fabric of family life, creating long-term emotional damage for all involved.

Get involved

Child to Parent Abuse Awareness Day on October 14th is a crucial moment to acknowledge and address the hidden epidemic of CPA. By raising awareness, offering support, and opening up conversations about this form of domestic abuse, we can break the silence surrounding child to parent abuse and help families rebuild healthy, supportive relationships.

If you are affected by CPA, know that you are not alone—and there is help available. Let’s use this day to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and create safe, loving spaces for all families.

PEGS would love for you to get involved on CPA Awareness day, you can use the #standwithpegs #cpaawarenessday or even download the logo for the day itself. Together we can make change for those who need us.