Child-to-Parent Aggression and Violence

Child-to-Parent Aggression and Violence, referred to as CAPA or CAPVA, describes a pattern in which a child or young person uses physical, verbal, emotional, psychological or financially harmful behaviour towards a parent or caregiver. Although it is increasingly recognised within safeguarding and youth justice practice, it remains one of the least discussed forms of family violence.

Many families experiencing child-to-parent aggression suffer in silence. Feelings of shame, guilt, fear of judgement, and concerns about criminalising their child can all act as barriers to seeking help. Research commissioned by the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit found that approximately 40 per cent of victims of child-to-parent aggression did not report incidents to the police. This study highlights how stigma, fear and a lack of understanding about available support often prevents families from seeking help.

Additional research from Respect has found that CAPVA featured in between 21 and 27 per cent of youth offending caseloads and accounted for between 64 and 67 per cent of police-recorded domestic abuse incidents where the suspect was under the age of 18. These figures suggest that child-to-parent aggression is far more common than many professionals realise.

For schools and colleges, this is an important issue. Families experiencing child-to-parent aggression often come into contact with educational settings long before they access specialist services. Changes in behaviour, attendance, emotional wellbeing, parental engagement or safeguarding concerns may all provide opportunities for professionals to identify families who need additional support.

One of the challenges in responding to child-to-parent aggression is understanding what lies beneath the behaviour. CAPA/CAPVA is not simply about a child choosing to be aggressive or controlling. In many cases, there are complex underlying factors that contribute to family conflict.

When does Child-to-parent aggression occur

Child-to-parent aggression may occur alongside trauma, adverse childhood experiences, mental health difficulties, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence, family breakdown, domestic abuse, exploitation, or unmet support needs. While neurodivergence does not cause aggression, communication difficulties, sensory overload, anxiety and unmet needs can sometimes contribute to heightened family stress and conflict.

This is why effective responses must focus not only on managing behaviour but also on understanding its causes and supporting healthier family relationships.

A Safeguarding Issue

Increasingly, child-to-parent aggression is being recognised as a safeguarding concern rather than solely a behavioural issue. The impact on families can be significant. Parents may experience fear within their own homes, siblings may be affected by ongoing conflict, and family relationships can become increasingly strained.

Children and young people involved in child-to-parent aggression may themselves be vulnerable and in need of support. A safeguarding response, therefore, requires professionals to consider the needs of the whole family rather than viewing the issue through a purely disciplinary lens.

This aligns closely with current safeguarding approaches that emphasise early identification, contextual understanding, multi-agency working, Family Help, and family-centred intervention.

The Role of School Staff

Schools are uniquely placed to identify concerns early. Staff may notice changes in behaviour, increasing emotional distress, escalating family tensions, reduced parental engagement, attendance difficulties or safeguarding disclosures that point towards challenges within the home environment.

Recognising child-to-parent aggression as a potential safeguarding concern allows professionals to respond with curiosity rather than judgement, ensuring that families receive appropriate support before difficulties escalate further.

As safeguarding practice continues to evolve, understanding issues such as CAPA/CAPVA helps schools strengthen their ability to support children, young people and families through a truly child-centred and family-focused approach.

Sara Spinks

SSS Author & Former Headteacher

22 June 2026