Child-to-Parent Abuse (CPA) is a form of domestic abuse that remains largely hidden, despite its devastating impact on families. CPA occurs when a child – regardless of age – directs abusive, coercive, or controlling behaviours towards someone with parental responsibility. Stigma, lack of awareness, and the emotional complexity of CPA mean many families suffer in silence.

Recognising this urgent need, PEGS created the Child to Parent Abuse Covenant (CPAC) to drive change and encourage organisations to take an active role in addressing CPA. The Covenant isn’t just about policy – it’s about partnership, empowerment, and creating safe,

supportive environments for employees and service users affected by CPA. Launched in 2021, with backing from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the CPAC is a ground-breaking initiative, helping employers across the UK acknowledge CPA as a form of domestic abuse and equips them to support affected staff and volunteers. The idea for CPAC was sparked when 70% of parents supported by PEGS reported that CPA had negatively impacted their work. Many parents had to leave jobs, reduce working hours, or struggled with concentration and emotional wellbeing due to the abuse they were experiencing. Since the launch, reports of CPA’s impact on employment have risen by 4%, making CPAC more vital than ever. Through CPAC, organisations commit to recognising CPA as part of their domestic abuse policies, raising awareness, and equipping their teams to respond empathetically.

Employers signing the Covenant pledge to:

• Raise Awareness: Embed CPA into existing discussions, policies, and practices around domestic abuse.
• Educate Staff: Upskill employees and volunteers with knowledge and resources about CPA.
• Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to disclose CPA without fear of stigma or judgment.

To support these efforts, PEGS provides a free CPAC Introductory Training session, helping organisations understand CPA’s nuances and equipping them with tools to respond effectively. CPA affects an estimated 3–10% of families, yet its impact extends beyond the home.

Parents affected by CPA often feel isolated and unsupported, particularly in the workplace. CPAC gives employers the opportunity to be part of the solution by recognising this hidden issue and taking steps to address it.

Michelle John, Director of PEGS, describes CPAC as more than a policy framework – it’s a community commitment:

“When I started PEGS, I didn’t know exactly what it would become, but I knew change had to happen. The Covenant is about creating that change, not just for families, but across society.”

In November 2023, PEGS hosted a CPAC celebration at the Halifax flagship office in London. The event brought together employers, policymakers, and domestic abuse specialists to reflect on CPAC’s impact and inspire further action.

Key highlights included:

• Panel Discussions: Representatives from organisations like Cadent Gas and Axis Counselling shared how signing CPAC transformed their approach to supporting employees.
• Global Connections: Tabitha from Parent Real Talk in Michigan highlighted the potential to adapt CPAC in the United States, emphasising its universal relevance.
• Keynote Speakers: Experts from the DWP, Age UK, Axis , Dyfed Powys Police Crime Commissioner, Safenet and Family Lives showcased the importance of collaboration in addressing CPA.

Feedback from attendees celebrated the event’s impact, with delegates describing it as “insightful,” “inspiring,” and a call to action for organisations nationwide. Becoming a CPAC signatory isn’t just about compliance – it’s about leading the way in creating safer, more supportive workplaces.

As the first initiative of its kind, CPAC gives organisations the tools to:

• Proactively address CPA.
• Build trust with employees by showing a commitment to wellbeing.
• Raise awareness of CPA and its wider societal impact.

By signing CPAC, organisations join a growing community of changemakers dedicated to tackling CPA and supporting families through challenging times. Since its inception, PEGS has supported over 8500 parents and trained over 2,000 professionals to recognise and respond to CPA. The organisation’s efforts – from advocacy and peer support to training and policy development – are driven by lived experience and a deep commitment to empowering families.

What’s Next?

PEGS invites employers across the UK to join the movement by signing the Covenant and becoming part of this vital conversation. Together, we can break the silence surrounding CPA and ensure no family or employee feels unsupported.

To learn more about CPAC or to sign the Covenant, visit www.pegsupport.co.uk/CPAC