Reflections from the Morecrofts Domestic Abuse Conference

Coming Together to Create Change

Last week, the PEGS team had the honour of attending and speaking at the Domestic Abuse Conference hosted by Morecrofts Solicitors—an incredibly insightful and moving day dedicated to raising awareness, sharing expertise and strengthening our collective response to domestic abuse.

With a history dating back over 200 years, Morecrofts Solicitors is one of Liverpool’s oldest and most respected law firms. Known for their commitment to both professional excellence and community impact, Morecrofts has long supported initiatives that protect vulnerable individuals and families, particularly in the field of family law and safeguarding. Their annual domestic abuse conference is a shining example of their dedication to promoting conversation, action, and change in this vital area.

The conference brought together professionals, organisations and frontline practitioners from a range of sectors, all committed to tackling domestic abuse in its many forms. Each speaker offered a different lens into how abuse can affect individuals and families: emotionally, physically, psychologically, financially, and digitally.

From the courtroom to the community organisations and therapeutic professionals, to housing and animal welfare, the day offered a powerful reminder that domestic abuse is a complex issue requiring a joined-up, compassionate approach.

We were truly privileged to be included in the speaker line-up, alongside some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable voices in the sector. Speakers included:

Refuge, sharing vital work supporting those who experience tech abuse
Dogs Trust, highlighting how pets can be used as tools of coercion, and how this impacts survivors
Merseyside Police, offering insight into law enforcement responses and a lived experience overview
Morecrofts Solicitors, exploring the legal landscape surrounding domestic abuse
A Consultant Systemic Psychotherapist, discussing the psychology between gender and expectations
Torus Housing, focusing on housing support and safety
And the powerful voice of lived experience advocate Molly Taylor

At PEGS, we were proud to contribute by raising awareness of Child to Parent Abuse (CPA).

Being able to speak about CPA among such passionate and informed professionals felt like a vital step forward. Throughout the day, one theme stood out clearly: the need for collaboration. Domestic abuse doesn’t sit in one service, one system or one experience—it’s a societal issue that requires us to work together, listen closely and push for change across every level.

We left the conference feeling hopeful, energised and reminded of the power of connection. A heartfelt thank you to the Morecrofts team for creating space for these essential conversations and for bringing people together with a shared purpose.

Together, we can, and will create change.

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August Spotlight: Verbal Abuse

By PEGS Admin • August 19, 2025

When Words Hurt – Facing Verbal Abuse from Your Child There are few things more emotionally painful than hearing cruel, dismissive or demeaning words from your own child. Whether they’re still under your roof or are well into adulthood, being spoken to in a verbally abusive way by the very person you raised with love and care can leave parents feeling confused, heartbroken and alone. It's not something we often talk about openly. Parents may fear being judged or blamed or they may question whether their experience is even valid. But verbal abuse from a child whether they’re 14 or 40 - is real and it matters. If you’ve found yourself on the receiving end of shouting, insults, blame or emotional manipulation from your child, this space is for you. You are not alone. Verbal abuse can take many forms and not all of them are loud or obvious. Some common examples include: Repeated criticism or personal attacks Name-calling, sarcasm or mockery Shouting or aggressive tone Gaslighting or manipulation (“You’re imagining it” / “You always make it about you”) Blame-shifting and emotional guilt trips Intimidating silence or threats These behaviours, especially when ongoing, can leave emotional bruises that are hard to explain to others or even to ourselves. For many parents, the verbal abuse doesn’t start all at once. It might begin as eye-rolling, snide remarks or even sudden mood swings. But over time, those moments become more frequent, more intense, more targeted. The home no longer feels like a place of peace. Interactions start to feel unsafe. “She speaks to me like I’m her enemy. I raised her with love, but now I feel like nothing I do is ever right in her eyes” -Mum to a 17-year-old daughter “I dread phone calls from my adult son. He rings only to shout and unload on me. I hang up shaking every single time” -Dad of a 33-year-old son “My teenager calls me names I wouldn't repeat in front of anyone. It’s like living with someone who hates me,I feel ashamed saying that” - Parent of a 15-year-old “I never thought I’d have to protect myself emotionally from my own child. But here I am trying to keep my boundaries and stay sane” - Mum to a 28-year-old daughter These words reflect a growing reality for many families... a reality that often gets hidden behind closed doors. When verbal abuse comes from a stranger it’s unpleasant. When it comes from your own child , the one you’ve fed, cared for, worried over, and loved unconditionally - it can feel like a betrayal. Parents often experience a mix of emotions: Shock and disbelief – “How did it get to this?” Shame – “Am I the only one dealing with this?” Guilt – “What did I do wrong?” Fear or anxiety – Dreading the next conversation or interaction Loneliness – Feeling unable to share the experience without judgement You may also feel torn between wanting to keep the connection and needing to protect your emotional wellbeing. It’s often assumed that once children reach adulthood, their relationship with their parents will naturally shift into one of mutual respect. But this isn’t always the case. Some adult children continue (or begin) to speak to their parents in ways that are controlling, hurtful or emotionally volatile. These interactions may be laced with some kind of resentment, blame for past decisions or expectations of endless emotional or financial support. In these situations, many parents struggle with a sense of powerlessness. After all, you can’t “ground” a 30-year-old. But your emotional safety still matters and it’s okay to acknowledge when something isn’t right. You can love your child deeply and still feel the pain of being treated unkindly. You can want healing and still need space. You can seek support without shame. Even in the face of verbal abuse, your worth as a parent does not diminish. You are still deserving of respect, of peace and of a life where you’re not walking on eggshells in your own home or heart. If your child is speaking to you in ways that hurt. If you feel exhausted, blamed or disrespected, you are not overreacting. If you find yourself dreading their calls or presence, you are not alone. You can love your child and still take care of yourself. You are worthy of respect. You are allowed to feel safe. And you are not alone.