There are many types of domestic abuse:

• Emotional
• Financial
• Sexual
• Physical

It is important to know that, even if there is no physical violence, it is still domestic abuse. If a family member or romantic partner controls what you wear, who you’re with and where you go, that is domestic abuse, and therefore against the law.

If you feel frightened of your child’s behaviour, there are organisations who can listen to you and support you. Child to Parent Abuse is real and it is not caused by poor parenting. We know that talking about child to parent abuse is hard and parents can feel isolated and ashamed. Parents have told us that even though the child is the one displaying abusive behaviours, they still love them and don’t want them to get into trouble.

If you need to talk to someone, you can call Respect at 0808 800 2222.

Listen to Mari, who works at an organisation called Refuge, explain what an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) is and how they can support you.