The financial impacts of CPA

Harriet Ernstsons-Evans • December 9, 2022

When we think of abuse, it’s perhaps the physical and emotional impacts which spring to mind initially. But there are often a whole range of effects – and it’s important, especially during the current cost of living crisis, to be aware of the many ways in which Child to Parent Abuse can have a negative impact on people’s financial situations.


Firstly, there may be direct financially or economically abusive behaviours being displayed. These could include:

  • Stealing items from the parent or the household. Our 2021 PEGS parent survey saw 39% of parents report their child had stolen from them, and 24% felt they were experiencing financial abuse.
  • Coercing the parent into handing over money, or purchasing items for them. 88% have experienced threats and 77% intimidation (about anything, not just money).
  • Fraudulently taking out credit cards or other accounts in their parent’s name.


Then there’s the cost associated with:

  • Replacing damaged items or property.
  • Potentially having to seek legal support if the situation escalates.
  • Even having to move house. 7% have been threatened with eviction or needed to move because of CPA.
  • Having to reduce hours or quit work altogether. Of PEGS parents who were previously employed, 48% had to reduce their hours, and 22% left their job totally.


If you’re experiencing increased money worries as a result of Child to Parent Abuse, or direct financial/economic abuse from your child, then there are a range of organisations out there who can support you:


Citizens Advice


Money Advice Plus


Money Helper


National Centre for Domestic Violence financial abuse toolkit


National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247 (24-hour)


Surviving Economic Abuse

0808 196 8845 (Monday-Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, free)


UK Finance


And many banks now have specialist teams who can provide support to those affected by financial abuse. Here are some of the larger banks – if yours isn’t on the list then do check directly with them to see how they may be able to support you.


Barclays

Fill in the form to let their team know when they can contact you.


Halifax

0800 0854 475 (Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm)


HSBC

03457 404 404 


Lloyds

0800 0665 703 (Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm)


Nationwide

0800 917 23 93 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm)


Natwest

03457 888 444 (8am to 8pm)


Royal Bank of Scotland

03457 24 24 24 (8am to 8pm)


Santander

0800 011 3414


By PEGS Admin March 22, 2026
Six Years of PEGS: Reflection, Growth and Looking Ahead
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.
By PEGS Admin March 16, 2026
New Workshop: Understanding Financial Abuse within Child to Parent Abuse (CPA)