One of the key aims of PEGS since the very beginning has been to highlight the issue of Child to Parent Abuse among the general public, given it has traditionally been such a hidden topic. By educating people about CPA, we can hopefully inspire more understanding and support – and it also enables those who are experiencing this type of abuse to realise they are not alone.

So, we were really pleased when the producers of ITV daytime programme This Morning contacted us to ask if our Founder Michelle John would like to appear on the show, alongside a parent – who went by the pseudonym Juliet in order to remain anonymous.

Juliet shared with presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard how her daughter had begun displaying verbal and physical aggression towards her soon after starting senior school, including an incident where Juliet’s fingers were broken.

We were really heartened by Cat and Ben’s clear sympathy for Juliet and her situation, and their sensitive interviewing of her – which echoed the thoughtfulness shown by the whole ITV team as they endeavoured to ensure the topic was presented in an appropriate way.

As has been the case whenever we have worked with the media to highlight CPA, there were a small number of negative comments on social media in the hours and days following. Whilst it’s always disheartening to read such responses, we realise more often than not this comes from a place of not understanding the issue – which highlights why media attention is so necessary.

Many people often want to seek answers as to the ‘cause’ of CPA – when in reality, this is never something we could get to the core of during a short television segment. Triggers, risk factors and underlying causes are often complex, and there is rarely one obviously identifiable cause.

But, as we always say, no matter what may be behind the behaviours that a parental figure is experiencing – it’s important that they know PEGS is here to support them. No matter why, what, how, when or when, we are here for every parent who faces CPA in their home. We hear you, we believe you, and we will always advocate for you.

If you didn’t see the segment on the day and would like to watch it back, you can do so by clicking here.

Please be aware the clip contains detailed and potentially triggering information about Juliet’s experiences of physical and verbal abuse.