Temida 2023 Volume 26, Issue 2, Pages: 163-188
https://doi.org/10.2298/TEM2302163M
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Living in misery: Child to parent and grandparent violence and abuse
Mills Tyler (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Research and Innovation, University of Hull, United Kingdom), T.J.Mills@hull.ac.uk
Green Simon (Wilberforce Institute + University of Hull, United Kingdom), S.T.Green@hull.ac.uk
O’Leary Nicola (School of Criminology, Sociology and Policing, University of Hull, United Kingdom), N.OLeary@hull.ac.uk
This article investigates the hidden and under-researched phenomenon of
child/ adolescent-to-parent violence and abuse (CAPVA). Despite the
attention given to spousal and child abuse, very little is known about why
children abuse their parents or what can be done to prevent it. This article
explores how this issue is explained, its effects on parents and carers and
the different interventions that have emerged to tackle it. Based on
in-depth focus groups with parents, grandparents and practitioners
participating in a ‘Who’s in Charge’ intervention in the United Kingdom,
this article explores the complex intersection of parenting skills,
intergenerational violence, gender, neurodiversity and the associated
response (or lack thereof) from education and law enforcement. The article
concludes with important new recommendations on 1) the need for better
referral routes, 2) greater emphasis on neurodiversity, 3) very early
intervention, and 4) the benefit of online platforms used during the
COVID-19 lockdown for engaging parents and grandparents.
Keywords: Who’s in Charge, CAPVA, parents, grandparents, neurodiversity, intergenerational, Zoom, WhatsApp, violence, abuse
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