What is CPVA?
There is currently no legal definition, however Northumbria Police define it as 'any harmful act or behaviour by a child aged 10-18 yrs, whether physical, psychological, emotional or financial, towards a parent/guardian or carer'. CPVA may present as a single violent incident, but is more likely to be a pattern of behaviour including damage to person or property, threats, stealing from the parent, humiliation or verbal abuse. As with adult-to-adult domestic abuse, CPVA includes controlling or coercive behaviour. CPVA is more than being a ‘stroppy teenager.
Here are some of the possible signs and indicators:
- Physical violence
- Damage to property
- Abusive to siblings
- Humiliation / belittling
- Theft from parent/family
- Threats to use weapons
- Obsessive use of violent games
- Disengagement from education / school refusal
- Parent fearful of child
- Substance Misuse
- Self harm / suicidal thoughts
For further information and support please visit the CAPVA section of the Respect website .