Norfolk pilot programme to tackle child-to-parent abuse proves a success
By: Communications
An initiative to support Norfolk families experiencing child and adolescent to parent abuse or violence has been hailed a success by University of East Anglia researchers.
A two-year pilot provided specialist support to more than 100 families where children or teenagers displayed harmful behaviours towards their parents or caregivers.
This form of domestic abuse is known as Child and Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA).
Positive impact
An evaluation of the project led by Dr Vicki Mcdermott-Thompson, from the UEA’s School of Psychology, found it had a positive impact on family relationships, emotional wellbeing, and parenting confidence.
The pilot has now been extended to March 2026.
Dr Mcdermott-Thompson said: “Children or adolescents being violent or abusive towards a parent or carer is a complex and often overlooked issue affecting families across Norfolk.
“We found that early, trauma-informed support, which is delivered to the whole family, can interrupt cycles of harm and rebuild and improve family relationships.
“This work helps us understand what works, the barriers families face, and how services can be strengthened.”
Key Findings
Delivered through a multi-agency partnership, the programme brought together Norfolk Youth Justice Service, Norfolk County Council’s Children’s Services, Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Services, Brave Futures, and Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services.
As well as helping more than 100 families, more than 80 professionals have been trained to deliver the Respect Young People’s Programme - a voluntary intervention that works with both the young person and their parent or guardian to address harmful behaviours and improve relationships.
Key Findings:
• Verbal aggression was the most common form of abuse, with 53% of families also reporting physical violence.
• CAPVA affected children of all genders, not just boys.
• Many of the young people involved had mental health challenges or neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Mothers, often the primary carers, were most frequently the victims.
• Only 22–39% of families completed the programme, highlighting ongoing barriers to engagement.
Despite these challenges, families reported significant improvements. One parent said:
“It has empowered and equipped me to feel confident in putting boundaries in place and not blaming myself for my child's difficulties, which has improved my wellbeing.”
A young person added: “I’ve done work around my emotions and what I can do when I feel angry or frustrated.”
Greater awareness
The report also highlighted that many families felt dismissed by schools, police, or mental health services before accessing the programme. It called for greater awareness of CAPVA among professionals and the public, and recommended further research to improve access and reduce structural barriers.
Mark Stokes, Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and Chair of the Norfolk Community Safety Partnership, said: “These findings from the University of East Anglia show this work has a very powerful and positive effect on families involved with the programme, with a reduction in the need to involve the police and other services in interventions.
“Partnership working has been key to the success of this pilot and I am very keen that this work should continue.”
The findings will now inform the next phase of the programme, with continued collaboration across Norfolk’s safeguarding and community safety partnerships to ensure children and families receive trauma-informed support.
For more information, visit: https://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/help-for-vulnerable-young-people/
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