We understand that abusive behaviours can take many forms and economic abuse is one that often goes unnoticed, especially when it occurs in the context of Child to Parent Abuse (CPA). While financial control is commonly associated with economic abuse, our recent survey shows that it can be far more subtle and damaging, affecting independence, health and everyday life.

What Can Economic Abuse Look Like in CPA?

Economic abuse isn’t just about money. It’s about control, restriction and interference with someone’s ability to access essential resources. In CPA, this can include many examples:

• Controlling finances: Your child may demand access to bank accounts, dictate spending or restrict money, leaving you unable to manage bills, rent or essential purchases such as food, heating, electricity and bills.
  
  
• Restricting employment or work opportunities: Some parents report that abusive behaviour from their child interferes with their ability to maintain a job, either through direct disruption, threats, or emotional pressure. This causes many aspects that impact working life. Many of PEGS’ parents have said they often call in sick after an incident, or don’t show up to work at all. This does not include the impact to the parents productivity at work.
  
  
• Hiding or controlling access to essential items: Medication, mobility aids or even food and water may be withheld or hidden to exert control. Some parents have described situations where their child would hide medication, or even swap it around for others.
  
  
• Limiting access to household resources: Utilities, transport and other everyday necessities may be sabotaged or restricted, making day to day life a challenge. This can even be mobile phones and electrical devices, which is intended to stop parents from reaching out for support or asking for help.
  
  
• Manipulating financial dependence: Your child may demand cash for their personal use. For many of our parents this is simply not just a ‘choice’, as saying ‘no’ often comes with consequences or an incident.
  
  

Economic abuse in CPA often merges with other forms of abuse, amplifying its impact. 

Our latest report reveals that 82% of parents experiencing CPA are subjected to financial control from having money taken or withheld, to being told how every penny can be spent. Alongside this 69% of parents told us their child has stolen from them. Economic abuse is one of the most hidden but devastating parts of Child to Parent Abuse, leaving families feeling powerless with no control.

Recognising Economic Abuse is the First Step

It’s important to recognise that economic abuse doesn’t have to be overt to be harmful. Even seemingly small actions, like your child insisting on controlling daily spending or withholding support for essential items, can create significant stress and long-term barriers for parental figures.

Understanding the signs of economic abuse in CPA helps parents and professionals respond effectively, seek support and protect wellbeing. We are committed to helping families identify, address and prevent all forms of abuse, because everyone deserves to feel safe and independent in their own home.

If you recognise any of these behaviours in your own experience, you are not alone. We are here to talk. We are by your side.

We offer guidance, support and many free resources for parental figures who are affected by CPA, including those facing economic abuse.

For more information and support, you can visit our website feel free to contact us through social media or email: admin@pegsupport.com