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Published: 26th August 2019
When we think of abuse in the family we most likely think of domestic abuse or child abuse, but why does parental abuse often get overlooked?
Parental abuse can take many forms whether that is manipulation, the threat of violence, controlling behaviour, actual physical violence, emotional or verbal abuse and also financial abuse. Parental abuse is definedas any harmful act executed by a child in order to gain power and control over a parent in the household.
Some signs that indicate parental violence include:
It is important to note that if a child exhibits some of the traits listed above, it does not mean that they are engaging in parental abuse.
Although the signs are seen in some cases of parental abuse, certain activities such as rebellion, drug use and taboo language may be a result of changing hormones in a teenager and their ability to access sensitive information online and imitate it.
It often seems the easiest option to blame a parent for bad-mannered, misbehaved children - however there are many cases that show children who are brought up in a safe and loving family environment that later engage in abuse directed towards their parents.
Although there is evidence that shows children imitating the violence they see in the home, many children commit parental abuse as a result of mental illness, increased access and desensitisation to violent media such as video games and films and the peer pressure to ‘fit in’ by taking illegal drugs.
The effects of parental abuse can be both physical and psychological.
Parents not only sustain injuries as a result of physical harm, they also have to deal with the psychological and mental effects of abuse such as depression and feelings of inadequacy that linger long after the abuse ends.
Abuse in the home can also lead to the damage of property and the breakdown of the family.
It can often be difficult to speak out against your own child, especially when you have dedicated your life to their health and wellbeing.
It is important to remember that your child’s actions are not a reflection of your parenting skills or of your character - many factors can be an influence.
Services are available for families that are suffering, whether that is help lines, mediation or family counselling, it is vital that you utilise such services in order to break the cycle of abuse.
Anyone can be a victim of parental abuse and although you might think you’re alone, there are people all across the world going through the same thing.
Having the courage to speak out and get help could save your life, the life of your child and potentially the life of others in similar situations.
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