Moreover, violence of minors against their parents has increased by an astounding 1800% in recent years 6. This alarming upturn led to an increasing need for family-oriented self-defense training. Ingrid Ayling Ford, a therapist based in County Durham, reports that she has “never seen this level of substantial violence towards parents” before. This concerning trend has led a group of experts in family support to look for more effective ways to help families impacted by issues like these.
Ford trains professionals in a therapeutic approach known as non-violent resistance (NVR). This approach validates parents and supports them in tackling the issues of family life eroded by violence. Her remarks underscore a growing worry among the millions of transportation practitioners in the trenches. They are experiencing an unprecedented surge in levels of child-on-parent violence.
Tony MacDonald’s earlier experience as a trainer in children’s residential homes. Today, he volunteers to help promote social projects through the charity Northumberland Community and Voluntary Action. After hearing Lindsey Brown‘s harrowing story of being physically assaulted by her son, MacDonald decided to offer his self-defense course free of charge to parents in need. Brown recounted her traumatic experience, explaining how she was held down and suffered a concussion during the violent assault.
“Being in that room with other parents felt like taking off a heavy coat I didn’t even know I was wearing,” Brown stated, highlighting the importance of community support in addressing these issues.
That reality deeply influenced MacDonald’s ten-week program, designed to give parents the tools — both practical and emotional — they need to handle violent situations at home. At the first session, eight parents expressed their urgent need for advice on how to stay safe in their environments. This reflects a broader trend: PEGS, a support organization, reported that it received inquiries from over 4,000 families last year, a significant increase from 1,200 families three years prior.
Al Coates, an independent social worker from Cramlington, emphasized the necessity of continuous support throughout childhood, stating that families should have access to intensive services that “span across a childhood.” He thinks early intervention is key to solving behavioral issues before they grow into violent motivations.
Although child-on-parent violence is increasingly common, little attention has been given to its formal recognition and support. There is currently no legal definition for this kind of violence. What’s more, there’s no legal authority to provide the assistance. As a result, too many families are left to suffer in silence and fatigue with their situations.
Nikki Rutter, a professional in the field, noted that while incidents of child-on-parent violence are becoming more visible, they remain “very rarely occurring in many local authorities.” She admitted, for families living those day-to-day realities, “it may seem like there’s no escape.”
The absence of appropriate legal frameworks and support systems further emphasizes the immediate need for understanding and resources for the families impacted. Communities are waking up to what this really means. While this is the grim reality, initiatives like MacDonald’s training program provide hope and deliver tangible, practical solutions.
