Parental abuse by children

Type of domestic violence

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Child-to-parent violence (CPV), also recognized as abuse of parents by their children, constitutes a manifestation of domestic violence characterized by the infliction of maltreatment upon parents. CPV can manifest in diverse forms, encompassing physical, verbal, psychological, emotional, and financial dimensions.[1]: 3–6 The repercussions of enduring abuse from one's offspring can be substantial, exerting influence on the physical and mental well-being of parents, both in the immediate and prolonged periods.

## Multiple causes of abusive behavior

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Many people consider parental abuse to be the result of certain parenting practices, neglect, or the child suffering abuse themselves, but other adolescent abusers have had "normal" upbringings and have not suffered from such situations. Children may be subjected to violence on TV, in movies and in music, and that violence may come to be considered "normal".[2] The breakdown of the family unit, poor or nonexistent relationships with an absent parent, as well as debt, unemployment, and parental drug/alcohol abuse may all be contributing factors to abuse. Some other reasons for CPV according to several experts include:[1][3]

* Aggressive behavioral tendencies
* Frustration or inability to deal with problems
* Unable or unwilling to learn how to manage behavior
* Witnessing other abuses at home
* Lack of respect for a parent because of perceived weakness
* Lack of consequences for bad behavior
* Being abused themselves
* Gang culture
* Not being able to properly care for a disabled or mentally ill parent(s)
* Revenge or punishment
* Mental illness
* Corporal punishment

## History

[edit]

Parental abuse is a relatively new term. In 1979, Harbin and Madden[4] released a study using the term "parent battery" but juvenile delinquency, which is a major factor, has been studied since the late 19th century.[5] Even though some studies have been done in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other countries, the lack of reporting of adolescent abuse towards parents makes it difficult to accurately determine the extent of it. Many studies have to rely on self-reporting by adolescents.[6][7] In 2004, Robinson,[5] of Brigham Young University, published: Parent Abuse on the Rise: A Historical Review in the American Association of Behavioral Social Science Online Journal, reporting the results of the 1988 study performed by Evans and Warren-Sohlberg.[8] The results reported that 57% of parental abuse was physical; using a weapon was at 17%; throwing items was at 5% and verbal abuse was at 22%. With 82% of the abuse being against mothers (five times greater than against fathers), and 11% of the abusers were under the age of 10 years. The highest rate of abuse happens within families with a single mother. Mothers are usually the primary caregivers; they spend more time with their children than fathers and have closer emotional connections to them. It can also be due to the size and strength of the abuser. Parental abuse can occur in any family and it is not necessarily associated with ethnic background, socio-economic class, or sexual orientation.

Numerous studies concluded that gender does not play a role in the total number of perpetrators; however, males are more likely to inflict physical abuse and females are more likely to inflict emotional abuse.[1][7][9] Studies from the United States estimate that violence among adolescents peaks at 15–17 years old.[8][10][11] However, a Canadian study done by Barbara Cottrell in 2001 suggests the ages are 12–14 years old.[1]

Parental abuse does not happen just inside the home but can in public places, further adding to the humiliation of the parents. Abuse is not only a domestic affair but can be criminal as well. Most teenagers experience a transition in which they try to go from being dependent to independent, but there are some dynamics of parental control that may alter it. There will always be times of resistance toward parental authority. According to the Canadian National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, the abuse generally begins with verbal abuse, but even then, some females can be very physically abusive towards a child who is smaller and more vulnerable than they are, and to cover their abuse, they often lie to the other parent about actual events that led to "severe punishment." The child, adolescent or parent may show no remorse or guilt and feel justified in the behavior, but many times when the child is the one who is being abused, they are very remorseful for being forced to defend themselves, especially when they are not the aggressor.[5] Parents can examine the behavior of their children to determine whether or not it is abusive. Some teenagers can become aggressive as a result of parental abuse, dysfunction, or psychological problems, while some children may have trouble dealing with their emotions. However, children who are abused are not always afforded protection from their abusive parents.[1]

## Intervention

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Non-violent resistance (NVR) is an approach designed to overcome a child’s aggressive, controlling, and self-destructive behaviors.[12][13] In NVR, parents replace talking with action, not engaging with aggressive or harmful behaviors.[14] With the support of therapists and other counselors, it is possible to identify mental health and other behavioral concerns throughout this process. It has four areas where parents are supported by therapists or other counselors:[14]

1. De-escalation
2. Breaking taboos
3. Taking non-violent actions
4. Reconciliation gestures

While intervention is an option, it may not always work. There are times when the child has a mental illness that does not allow them, adolescent or teenager, to understand what exactly is happening. Therefore, they act out their emotions the only way they know. This can present itself as violence, emotional abuse, destructive behavior, such as destroying personal property or self-harm. The United States currently protects abused children using Courts, Child Protective Services and other agencies. The US also has Adult Protective Services which is provided to abused, neglected, or exploited older adults and adults with significant disabilities. There are no agencies or programs that protect parents from abusive children, adolescents or teenagers other than giving up their parental rights to the state they live in.[15]

Lastly, the quality of family relationships directly influences child-to-parent violence, with power-assertive discipline playing a mediating role in this connection. It appears that the emotional aspect and overall quality of family relationships are pivotal factors in preventing violent behaviors.[16]

## See also

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* Child abuse
* Dysfunctional family
* Elder abuse
* Juvenile delinquency
* Parental alienation
* Runaway (dependent)
* Sibling abuse
* Teenage rebellion

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e Cottrell, Barbara (2001). Parent Abuse: The Abuse of Parents by Their Teenage Children (PDF). Health Canada. ISBN 0-662-29529-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-27.
2. ^ Osofsky, Joy D. (1999). "The Impact of Violence on Children". The Future of Children. 9 (3): 33–49\. doi:10.2307/1602780. ISSN 1054-8289. JSTOR 1602780. PMID 10777999.
3. ^ Bobic, N. (2004). "Adolescent Violence Towards Parents" (PDF). Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 March 2012.
4. ^ Harbin, H.T.; Madden, D.J. (1979). "Battered Parents: A New Syndrome". American Journal of Psychiatry. 136 (10): 1288–1291\. doi:10.1176/ajp.136.10.1288. PMID 484724.
5. ^ a b c Robinson, P.W.; Davidson, L.J.; Drebot, M.E. (2004). "Parent abuse on the rise: A historical review" (PDF). American Association of Behavioral Social Science: 58–67\. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 29, 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
6. ^ Paterson, R.; Luntz, H.; Perlesz, A.; Cotton, S. (2002). "Adolescent Violence Towards Parents: Maintaining Family Connections When The Going Gets Tough" (PDF). Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy. 23 (2): 90–100\. doi:10.1002/j.1467-8438.2002.tb00493.x. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
7. ^ a b Agnew, R.; Huguley, S. (1989). "Adolescent violence towards parents". Journal of Marriage and Family. 51 (3): 699–771\. doi:10.2307/352169. JSTOR 352169.
8. ^ a b Evans, D.; Warren-Sohlberg, L. (1989). "A pattern analysis of adolescent abusive behaviour towards parents". Journal of Adolescent Research. 3 (2): 210–216\. doi:10.1177/074355488832007. S2CID 145634430.
9. ^ "World report on violence and health" (PDF). Summary. World Health Organization (2002). Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 March 2019. Retrieved 13 Jun 2012.
10. ^ Straus, M., Gelles, R., & Steinmetz S. (1988). Behind closed doors: violence in the American family. New York: Anchor Books.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)[page needed]
11. ^ Wilson, J. (1996). "Physical abuse of parents by adolescent children". In Busby, D.M. (ed.). The impact of violence on the family: treatment approaches for therapists and other professionals. Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon. pp. 101–103.
12. ^ Toole-Anstey, Chye; Keevers, Lynne; Townsend, Michelle L (2023). "A Systematic Review of Child to Parent Violence Interventions". Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 24 (2): 1157–1171\. doi:10.1177/15248380211053618. ISSN 1524-8380. PMID 34866496. S2CID 244944508.
13. ^ Weinblatt, Uri; Omer, Haim (2008). "Nonviolent Resistance: A Treatment for Parents of Children with Acute Behavior Problems". Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 34 (1): 75–92\. doi:10.1111/j.1752-0606.2008.00054.x. ISSN 0194-472X. PMID 18199182.
14. ^ a b "Information on NVR for Parents". PartnershipProjects UK. Retrieved 2023-10-26.
15. ^ van Gink, Kirsten; van Domburgh, Lieke; Jansen, Lucres; Goddard, Nick; Ottenbros, Ron; van Der Stegen, Ber; Popma, Arne; Vermeiren, Robert (2020-07-02). "The Development and Implementation of Non-Violent Resistance in Child and Adolescent Residential Settings". Residential Treatment for Children & Youth. 37 (3): 176–198\. doi:10.1080/0886571X.2019.1590172. hdl:1887/3182549. ISSN 0886-571X.
16. ^ Ibabe, I.; Bentler, P. M. (2016-02-01). "The Contribution of Family Relationships to Child-to-Parent Violence". Journal of Family Violence. 31 (2): 259–269\. doi:10.1007/s10896-015-9764-0. ISSN 1573-2851. S2CID 27914992.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Retrieved 26 May 2012 from Parentlink - Abuse of parents
* Retrieved 26 May 2012 from Parenting and Child Health - Health Topics -
* Child violence against parents at the Wayback Machine (archived 2012-06-06)
* Retrieved 5 June 2012 from [1]
* Lack of support for parents who live in fear of their teenagers, study shows
* Jiménez Arroyo, S. (2017). "La violencia filio parental y la medida de internamiento. Especial referencia a la "prestación por excarcelación"" [The child-to-parent violence and the measure of internment. Special mention to the "benefit release"]. Revista Sobre la Infancia y la Adolescencia (in Spanish). 13 (13): 15–44\. doi:10.4995/reinad.2017.7325. hdl:10251/95585.
* Holt, A. (2012). "Researching Parent Abuse: A Critical Review of the Methods" (PDF). Social Policy and Society. 11 (2): 289–298\. doi:10.1017/S1474746411000625. S2CID 89615145.

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Abuse

Types|

* Adverse childhood experiences
* Anti-social behaviour
* Bullying
* Child abuse
* neglect
* sexual
* military
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* Cruelty to animals
* Disability abuse
* military draft
* Domestic abuse
* Elder abuse
* Financial
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* Religious abuse
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* Sexual abuse
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* Structural abuse
* Substance abuse
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* Surveillance abuse
* Referee and umpire abuse
* Verbal abuse
* more...

Related topics|

* Abusive supervision
* Abuse of power
* Controlling behavior
* Complex post-traumatic stress disorder
* Dehumanization
* Denial
* Destabilisation
* Discrimination
* Exaggeration
* Isolation
* Just-world fallacy
* Lying
* Manipulation
* Minimisation
* Narcissism
* Playing the victim
* Psychological projection
* Psychological trauma
* Psychopathy
* Rationalization
* Sexual grooming
* Traumatic bonding
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Domestic violence

General|

* Outline
* Abuse
* Controlling behavior
* Conflict tactics scale
* Cycle of abuse
* Cycle of violence
* Epidemiology
* Traumatic bonding

Forms|

| Sexual|

* Genital modification and mutilation
* Marital rape
* Birth control sabotage
* Reproductive coercion
* Sexual violence by intimate partners

|

Physical|

* Acid attack
* Bride burning
* Domestic violence and pregnancy
* Dowry death
* Honor killing
* Murder of pregnant women
* Sati
* Situational couple violence

Psychological|

* Bullying
* Deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender (DARVO)
* Economic abuse
* Embarrassment/Humiliation
* Emotional blackmail
* False accusation
* Gaslighting
* Intimidation
* Isolation
* Major depressive disorder
* Mind games
* Nagging
* Narcissistic abuse
* Passive-aggressive behavior
* Setting up to fail
* Silent treatment
* Stalking
* Verbal abuse

Victims|

| Adults|

* Bride buying
* Domestic violence against men
* Domestic violence and pregnancy
* Elder abuse
* Intimate partner violence
* Lesbian
* Mariticide
* Misandry
* Misogyny
* Parental abuse by children
* Same-sex relationships
* Social emotional development
* Uxoricide

|

Children|

* Adverse childhood experiences
* Child abuse
* Effects of domestic violence on children
* Narcissistic parent
* Parental bullying of children
* Sibling abuse
* Stress in early childhood

Prevention|

* Domestic violence hotlines
* Duluth model
* Management of domestic violence
* Women's shelter
* Prevention initiatives

Country|

* Argentina
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* South Africa
* South Korea
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Turkey
* Uganda
* United Kingdom
* United States

Religion|

* Domestic violence in Christian culture
* Domestic violence in Islamic culture

Experts|

| Academics|

* Jacquelyn Campbell
* Kenneth Dodge
* Emily Douglas
* Mary Ellsberg
* David Finkelhor
* Nicola Graham-Kevan
* Denise Hines
* Linda Saltzman
* Murray Straus

|

Activists|

* Ruahine Albert
* Angela Barker
* Sarah Buel
* Elizabeth Celi
* Anne Cools
* Donna Ferrato
* Karen Ingala Smith
* Ellen Pence
* Erin Pizzey
* Deborah Tucker

Media|

| Documentaries|

* A Better Man
* The Conspiracy of Silence
* Defending Our Lives
* Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America
* Silent Voices
* Sin by Silence

|

Other films|

* American Tragedy
* Black and Blue
* Blinded
* Bordertown
* The Burning Bed
* Our Mother's Murder
* Enough
* Looking for Angelina
* Once Were Warriors
* One Minute to Nine
* Provoked
* Sleeping with the Enemy
* Submission
* What's Love Got to Do with It

Books|

* Life with Billy
* Mommie Dearest
* The War on Women

Periodicals|

* Contemporary Family Therapy
* Family Process
* Family Relations
* Journal of Family Issues
* Journal of Interpersonal Violence
* Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society
* Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
* Violence Against Women

Organizations|

* Gulabi Gang
* ManKind Initiative
* National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
* National Domestic Violence Hotline
* nia
* Refuge
* Respect

Legal|

* Battered woman defense
* Domestic violence court

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Parenting

Kinship terminology|

* Parent
* Mother
* Father
* Adoptive
* Alloparenting
* Coparenting
* Extended family
* Foster care
* Noncustodial
* Nuclear family
* Orphaned
* Shared parenting
* Single parent
* Blended family
* Surrogacy
* In loco parentis

Theories · Areas|

* Attachment theory
* Applied behavior analysis
* Behaviorism
* Child development
* Cognitive development
* Developmental psychology
* Human development
* Identity formation
* Introjection
* Love
* Maternal bond
* Nature versus nurture
* Parental investment
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* Cost of raising a child
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* Pediatrics
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* Social psychology

Styles|

* Achievement ideology
* Atlas personality
* Attachment parenting
* Baby talk
* Buddha-like parenting
* Concerted cultivation
* Enmeshment
* Free-range parenting
* Gatekeeper parent
* Helicopter parent
* Nurturant parenting
* Reflective parenting
* Slow parenting
* Soccer mom
* Strict father model
* Taking Children Seriously
* Theybie
* Tiger parenting
* Work at home parent

Techniques|

* After-school activity
* Allowance
* Bedtime
* Child care
* Co-sleeping
* Dishabituation
* Education
* Habituation
* Homeschooling
* Identification (psychology)
* Introjection
* Kommune 1
* Latchkey kid
* Moral development
* Normative social influence
* Parent management training
* Play (date)
* Role model
* Social integration
* Television
* The talk (race)
* The talk (sex education)
* Toy (educational)
* Positive Parenting Program

Child discipline|

* Blanket training
* Corporal punishment in the home
* Curfew
* Grounding
* Positive discipline
* Tactical ignoring
* Time-out

Abuse|

* Adverse childhood experiences
* Child abandonment
* Child abuse
* Child labour
* Child neglect
* Cinderella effect
* Codependency
* Deadbeat parent
* Dysfunctional family
* Effects of domestic violence
* Incest
* Management of domestic violence
* Narcissistic parent
* Parental abuse by children
* Parental alienation
* Stress in early childhood

Legal|

* Child custody
* Child support
* Disownment
* Family disruption
* Right to family life
* Marriage
* Parental leave
* Parental responsibility
* Parents' rights
* Paternity
* Shared parenting

Experts|

* Mary Ainsworth
* Diana Baumrind
* John Bowlby
* T. Berry Brazelton
* Rudolf Dreikurs
* David Elkind
* Jo Frost
* Haim Ginott
* Thomas Gordon
* Alan E. Kazdin
* Truby King
* Annette Lareau
* Penelope Leach
* Matthew Sanders
* William Sears
* B. F. Skinner
* Benjamin Spock

Organizations|

* Families Need Fathers
* Mothers Apart from Their Children
* Mothers' Union
* National Childbirth Trust
* National Fatherhood Initiative
* National Parents Organization
* Parent–teacher association
* Parents Against Child Exploitation

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