Sadiq Khan: Mayor announces new research into child-to parent violence and abuse

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has shared new ground-breaking research into violence and abuse by children towards parents.

Analysis, commissioned by the mayor’s violence reduction unit, has shown that 40% of parents and carers who experienced violence by their children between 2011 and 2020 chose not to report it to the police.

This new research has found that immense shame and the fear of “criminalisation of the child being removed from the home” led to significant underreporting of attacks or abuse.

Frontline practitioners who work directly with families affected by child-to-parent violence and abuse (CAPVA) have warned that they expect the number to continue to increase.

The study found that parents and carers affected by CAPVA have highlighted the need for earlier intervention as soon as warning signs appear and not just at crisis point.

When discussing the new research, Mr Khan, said: “I’m determined to tackle all forms of violence in our capital and keeping Londoners safe will always be my top priority.

“That’s why I welcome this major new research commissioned by my Violence Reduction Unit, which shines a light on a form of hidden harm.

“It’s crucial we have a joined-up approach to tackling this issue because I want all Londoners, including parents and carers, to have confidence in reporting concerns so that services can intervene much earlier and provide the support families need and deserve.”

Research found that there is no standard definition for CAPVA, which results in children under 16 being treated as adult perpetrators of domestic abuse.

This minimises opportunities to better understand the behaviour and the ability to intervene.

Sadiq Khan and Lib Peck, the director of London’s violence reduction unit, visited parents and carers at Peckham Levels.

They heard first-hand about the importance of highlighting violence and abuse towards parents and carers and how interventions are required at an earlier stage.

Ms Peck said: “The VRU was set up to better understand the complex, underlying causes of violence, and to lead a partnership approach to reducing violence and supporting young people, families and communities.

“We listen to our communities to understand the needs of parents and carers who play such a vital role in the early years of a young person’s life. A consistent concern was violence and abuse by children towards parents.

“The VRU commissioned research to understand the scale of this form of violence, the opportunities for early intervention and the support being provided across London for young people and for parents and carers.

“We will use this research to work with others to raise awareness and bring services together to intervene earlier to tackle this form of violence and ensure greater access to support.”

The VRU finished their research suggesting that responding to CAPVA should not look at children as perpetrators.

It also suggested looking at both the needs of the young person involved as well as the wider family and how they can access support.