Child/Adolescent on Parent Abuse (CAPA)
Do you think you are experiencing CAPA? This blog post will help you to identify challenges, the impact on families and explore case studies.
There is currently no single legal definition of child or adolescent to parent abuse (CAPA). However, it is increasingly recognised as a form of domestic abuse. It can include physical violence, damage to property, emotional abuse, and economic or financial abuse. Behaviours may involve humiliation, threats, belittling, stealing, and heightened sexualised behaviour.
Patterns of coercive control are often present, although some families may experience more unpredictable, explosive incidents of violence with less ongoing control. In the most extreme circumstances, where a parent is killed, this is referred to as parricide, defined as the killing of a parent or close relative.
Research by Family Lives (2008) found that 7% of their calls involved physical aggression from children towards parents, most commonly directed at mothers. Siblings within the household may also be at risk.
Challenges for Parents
Parents experiencing CAPA face complex and often distressing dilemmas:
Reporting incidents may lead to the criminalisation of their child
Fear of not being believed by professionals
Concern about being blamed or judged for poor parenting
Emotional conflict between seeking help and protecting their child
Contributing Factors
There is no single cause of CAPA. It can arise in a variety of contexts:
A history of domestic abuse within the family
Exposure to trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Behavioural difficulties such as substance misuse or self-harm
Mental health challenges
In some cases, no clear or identifiable cause
Impact on Families
Families experiencing CAPA often report:
Feelings of stigma, shame, and isolation
Lack of understanding or recognition from others
Limited awareness in policy and professional practice
This lack of recognition can make it harder for families to access appropriate support.
Case Examples
Case 1: Escalating Aggression
A 14-year-old boy begins to display aggressive behaviour towards his mother following parental separation.
He damages property during arguments
Uses threats and intimidation to get his way
The mother feels unable to set boundaries
👉 This demonstrates coercive and controlling behaviour within the home
Case 2: Complex Needs
A 15-year-old girl with a history of self-harm and anxiety becomes physically aggressive towards her parent.
Incidents often occur during emotional distress
The parent feels torn between discipline and support
Police involvement is considered but avoided
👉 Highlights how mental health and emotional regulation difficulties can contribute
Case 3: Hidden Abuse
A single parent experiences ongoing verbal abuse and financial exploitation from their 16-year-old child.
The child steals money and uses intimidation
The parent feels ashamed and does not seek help
Professionals initially overlook the situation
👉 Shows how CAPA can remain hidden due to stigma and lack of awareness
Effective Support
The most effective responses involve a whole-family approach, recognising that the behaviour does not occur in isolation. Support may include:
Family therapy
A “Team Around the Family” (TAF) approach
Multi-agency involvement (e.g. schools, social care, mental health services)
Tailored interventions that address the needs of both the child and the parent are essential for sustainable change.
Talk to someone today to explore your options 08 088 088 088 or send a confidential email to Kim@mailpurple.org.