Using mixed methods to investigate child-to-parent violence and abuse
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using mixed methods to investigate child-to-parent violence and abuse
IRAS ID
351058
Contact name
Charlotte Ashworth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 2 months, 13 days
Research summary
Child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA) happens when a child or young person repeatedly uses words, money, physical actions, or emotional manipulation to control a parent (Holt, 2013). CPVA can have serious effects on parents, carers, children, and the wider family. It can lead to fear, stress, mental and physical health problems, financial struggles, social isolation, and strained relationships (Jackson, 2003; Cottrell & Monk, 2004; Holt, 2013, 2016).
Most research on CPVA has focused on identifying risk factors, but there has been little study on what helps or prevents families from seeking support (Rogers & Ashworth, 2024). There is also a lack of research on how often CPVA happens in families involved with local authorities, what factors increase the risk, and what happens to families after they receive support from local services.
This study aims to fill these gaps by exploring:
- How common CPVA is in families known to local authorities;
- The risk factors linked to CPVA;
- The impact of local authority support;
- How children, young people, and families experience both CPVA and the support they receive;
By learning more about CPVA, this research will help professionals, local authorities, and policymakers improve their responses and support systems.
Practitioners and members of the public have helped shape this research from the beginning. Because of this, a Project Advisory Group (PAG) will be included in the study. This group, made up of members of the public, will provide valuable insights into how research can be more inclusive and relevant.
By focusing on CPVA in a local authority setting, this study will add to existing research and help local services develop better ways to support affected families. The PAG will also help create and share useful resources for practitioners and the wider public, ensuring that this research leads to real, practical improvements.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0106
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion