Wales program supports parents experiencing child-to-parent abuse

Child-to-parent abuse is a hidden issue affecting families across various backgrounds, often overlooked due to stigma. A new therapeutic program in Wales, called the Parallel Lives Programme, aims to support families by creating safe spaces for open discussions and improving parent-child relationships. An evaluation of the program found that it helps reduce conflict and improve communication between parents and children. Participants reported feeling heard and supported, which is crucial for addressing the complexities of this type of abuse. The program emphasizes a strengths-based approach, focusing on the capabilities of families rather than their deficits. The evaluation highlights the need for more research on child-to-parent abuse and calls for distinct legal frameworks to address it. Recommendations include scaling successful programs like Parallel Lives, increasing funding, and promoting public awareness to destigmatize the issue and encourage families to seek help.