Parental figures experiences of adult child to parent abuse

The Silent Suffering: When Parents Are Abused by Their Adult Children

When we think of domestic abuse, we often imagine intimate partners or spouse who are displaying abusive behaviours. But what if the person is your own adult child? It's a reality many are living through silently—and one that PEGS is working tirelessly to bring into the light.

In our latest report, we surveyed 100 parental figures experiencing abuse from adult children, aged 18 and over. The results were heart-breaking and eye-opening.

Child-to-Parent Abuse (CPA) doesn’t end when a child turns 18. In fact, it can often escalate. Our data shows:

98% of respondents experience daily verbal abuse.
25% are physically assaulted each month.
91% report property damage.
82% have been victims of false allegations.
47% say their child has also abused a partner.

The abuse goes beyond the home. Pets are being hurt or killed, family members intimidated, and parents publicly humiliated. And still, most suffer in silence—because society rarely talks about it.

There is no single profile for a parent experiencing CPA. They are mothers and fathers, married and single, employed and retired. The overwhelming majority in our survey were women (99%), and most were aged 46–55. The abuse spanned years, often beginning in childhood and persisting well into adulthood.

The mental toll on parental figures is alarming with

100% of respondents say their emotional wellbeing has been negatively impacted.
94% feel stressed.
96% feel isolated.
80% have had friends or family cut ties because of their situation.

Even more concerning, many are afraid to reach out for help. 91% considered contacting a professional but changed their mind due to fear of being blamed or having their child prosecuted. Over half said they’d previously been threatened with neglect charges when seeking support prior to their child turning 18. With only 9% of cases being heard at MARACs, it just shows how many parental figures are falling through the gaps.

This report is a sobering reminder of why PEGS exists. We are committed to:

Raising awareness about adult-child-to-parent abuse.
Providing practical and emotional support for parental figures.
Training professionals to recognize and respond effectively.
Influencing policy to formally recognise CPA within domestic abuse frameworks.

The pain shared in this report is real—but so is the strength. Every voice we amplify brings us one step closer to change.

Let’s make sure no parent has to suffer in silence.

Download the full report below

Report on adult children who abuse parental figures

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Founding Director, Michelle, has been awarded an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours for Family Support and Advocacy.

By PEGS Admin • June 15, 2026

Child to Parent Abuse organisation founder awarded MBE The founder of a social enterprise which has supported thousands of parents impacted by abusive behaviours from their children has been awarded an MBE. Michelle John, originally from Pembrokeshire in Wales but now based in Shropshire, was among the names announced for the prestigious accolade in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year. In 2020, Michelle set up not-for-profit organisation PEGS with the aim of supporting parents and carers, training professionals, influencing local and national policy, and raising awareness of Child to Parent Abuse – which is thought to affect up to one in ten households in the UK. Since then, she has grown a team of experts who have trained police, social workers, teachers and many other professionals to better recognise the signs of CPA, support parents, and signpost to specialist organisations. In addition, Michelle set up a range of parent-focused initiatives including daily practitioner-led online sessions, a Facebook peer support group which now has 3,300 members, and one-to-one offerings for those at highest risk. PEGS launched a CPA Covenant for employers in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, only the fourth such covenant to be backed by the Government, and Michelle has advised everyone from the Home Office to Channel 4 and the BBC on CPA – the latter for storyline on Hollyoaks and EastEnders. Her work has seen CPA covered by journalists across television news programmes, national newspapers and magazine, and regional press and radio, and she’s received numerous awards both in the UK and internationally. Michelle, whose MBE was awarded for Family Support and Advocacy, said: “This honour is also shared with the parents who have trusted me along the way: they drive me, inspire me and I will always stand with them. “I feel proud, privileged and very grateful – and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and PEGS along the way. There is much more to come for PEGS, and we will continue to work every day for the parents and carers who have been or continue to be impacted by CPA. “There is so much to reflect on from the journey of the last six years, and there have been many highlights and challenges along the way. I am sure there will be many more in the future – although being told I’d received an MBE will always remain a truly incredible moment that I’ll remember forever!” For more information about us, visit www.pegsupport.co.uk or search for 'PEGS' on social media!