For our penultimate post from our international perspectives series, we have Dr Declan Coogan, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway, Republic of Ireland. Declan is a leading voice in research relating to non-violent resistance (NVR) and a long-time friend to HITW.
“Child to parent violence and abuse is a longstanding problem but people are now more prepared to seek help” (Michelle Ridgway, Chairperson, Parentline, 17th May 2022).
What is CPVA?
Child to parent violence and abuse (CPVA) is an abuse of power through which a son/daughter coerces, controls or dominates parents or anyone in a parental role in relation to the child. Child to Parent Violence and Abuse is present in families where parents/ carers feel they must adapt their behaviour due to threats or use of violence/ abuse by a child. CPVA can include physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, and coercive control. This is the definition used by NVR Ireland, a network of practitioners and academics in Ireland committed to working with and researching Non-Violent Resistance (NVR; see www.nvrireland.ie )
CPVA is a significant and growing issue in Ireland. It has been reported as the most common concern among parents contacting Parentline, with about 42% of over 6,000 calls related to this form of violence, highlighting its prevalence in family dynamics. Boys aged 12 to 17 are the primary perpetrators in these incidents, although around 10% of cases involve individuals over 18 years old.
Is there official recognition of CPVA?
No. Despite its increasing visibility through the media and through parents/ carers contacting services about it, there are no official policies or legal definitions specifically addressing CPVA in Ireland, which complicates formal responses to the issue.
Who works with families living with CPVA?
A wide range of services and practitioners in Ireland work with families affected by CPVA, through public and/ or privately provided services. Practitioners involved include social workers, social care workers, family support workers, family therapists, psychologists, and specialised counsellors trained in dealing with family violence and adolescent behavioural issues. These and other practitioners often work collaboratively with community organisations to support families and reduce the incidence and impact of CPVA. There are different specialist interventions that might be helpful for families lining with CPVA, the most widely available of which is Non Violent Resistance (NVR).
Examples of services that provide NVR for parents/ carers/ families include:
Parentline offers a helpline and support focusing on non-violent resistance strategies to help parents manage and reduce CPVA behaviours ( www.parentline.ie ).
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides family support services, including interventions in domestic violence situations where children may be involved either as victims or perpetrators; some practitioners in Tusla have received training and provide intervention in NVR as a response to CPVA.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), through the HSE, provides specialist mental health services for young people with severe mental health challenges. Some practitioners from a range of disciplines with CAMHS have received training and provide intervention in NVR as a response to CPVA.
Alcohol Forum Ireland provides support information and services to individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol harm. As part of their work in the north west of Ireland, they provide NVR for parents/ carers where there is CPVA ( https://alcoholforum.org/non-violent-resistance-nvr/ ).
The ISPCC (https://www.ispcc.ie/nvr/ ) offers resources and programmes in response to child to parent relationship challenges, including NVR and other supports for families experiencing CPVA.
Through the University of Galway, Eileen Lauster, Tara Kelly and Declan Coogan have been involved in practice, training and research initiatives have helped to provide insights into family experiences with CPVA, informing practice and policy recommendations.
NVR Ireland accredited practitioners and trainers can be found at https://nvrireland.ie/service-providers-of-nvr-in-ireland/
Overall, CPVA in Ireland is a recognised but under-defined issue, with growing awareness, training and support services aiming to address the complex needs of families living with CPVA. Practitioners and parents in Ireland report that key skills developed through NVR can be very helpful: these include developing an NVR support network; being able to once again be present and visible for your child; de-escalation strategies and reconciliation gestures.
Further supports and information can be found at www.nvrireland.ie and https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/child-to-parent-violence-most-common-issue-among-parents-ringing-helpline-1.4876572 and https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/1116/1336510-child-to-parent-abuse/
More information about the author can be found at https://research.universityofgalway.ie/en/persons/declan-coogan
Thank you so much for this contribution Declan, and we hope subscribers find these links helpful.
HOLES IN THE WALL 