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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Allen Lane Foundation Supports New Workshop Lead Role to Expand Support for Parents

By PEGS Admin • March 18, 2026

We are thrilled to announce that the Allen Lane Foundation has generously funded a new Workshop Lead role to coordinate and deliver online workshops for parents and carers affected by Child-to-Parent Abuse (CPA) over the next 12 months. Parents and carers affected by CPA are often isolated, unsupported, and unsure where to turn. Our 2024 survey shows that 96% of parents feel isolated, 94% stressed, 92% scared, and 100% report an impact on emotional wellbeing. Over 70% have had to reduce or leave work. With demand for support rising to over 450 referrals per month and a 116% increase in November 2025 there is an urgent need for structured, accessible help. Expanding Online Workshops and 1:1 Support The new Workshop Lead will deliver a weekly online workshop for up to 15 participants, covering practical and emotional wellbeing topics such as stress management, goal-setting, and specialist techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Alongside the weekly sessions, the project will also run: Bi-monthly two-part specialist workshops Monthly wellbeing workshops By taking the lead on workshop delivery, the Workshop Lead will free up our practitioner team to provide more personalised one-to-one support to high-risk parents, reaching an additional estimated 50 parents in need. Over 12 months, we anticipate that over 200 parents will benefit directly from group workshops, gaining tools to manage risk, improve emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and build confidence. The workshops will also create a safe space for peer connection, helping to reduce isolation and foster resilience. Measuring Impact We will track success through attendance figures, participant feedback, and pre- and post-workshop surveys to capture changes in confidence, coping strategies, and wellbeing. Practitioners will also monitor the effect of increased one-to-one support to ensure parents feel safer, supported, and better able to manage their situation. Michelle John, our founding director, says: "Allen Lane Foundation’s continued support enables us to reach more parents and provide the practical guidance and personal support they urgently need. This Workshop Lead role will make a real difference, helping parents feel safer, more confident, and connected, while allowing our practitioners to provide targeted one-to-one support where it’s needed most." We are incredibly grateful to the Allen Lane Foundation for their ongoing belief in our work. This funding allows us to expand our online support, reach more parents, and provide both group and personalised assistance for those affected by CPA.