Background Merseyside (located in the north of England) is one of several areas allocated funding since 2019 by the UK government to reduce violence. As part of this funding the Public Health Institute at Liverpool John Moores University (World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Violence Prevention) conducted a research study examining child/adolescent to parent/caregiver violence and abuse (CAPVA). CAPVA can affect any family from any community and can have devastating impacts on an individual’s life, not only for the parent/caregiver but also for the child/young person.

Objectives

• The nature and extent of CAPVA.

• Factors that increase risks of exposure to CAPVA (and further harm), and factors that can protect people from harm.

• The impacts of CAPVA on children, families, services, and the wider community.

• The range of practice models and interventions being implemented in Merseyside to prevent and respond to CAPVA, and the perceived and/or actual impacts of these approaches.

Methodology: A number of methodologies were utilised including an extensive literature review, interviews (practitioner n=24; parent/caregiver n=9) and online surveys (practitioner n=33; parent/caregiver n=18), as well as two stakeholder events.

Results Insights drawn from parent/carer and practitioner interviews and surveys highlight CAPVA as a considerable problem across Merseyside. Merseyside, despite its vibrant community and resources, faces several challenges when it comes to addressing CAPVA. These include underreporting due to shame or fear, limited awareness among parents and professionals about CAPVA, and gaps in available support services tailored to this specific issue. Additionally, the stigma attached to admitting that one’s child is abusive can hinder parents from seeking help. Further key findings also include areas for service and community development and key recommendations to prevent and reduce CAPVA and its associated harms.

Conclusion Addressing CAPVA’s multifaceted challenges requires collaboration and comprehensive strategies. Raising awareness, training professionals, defining responsibilities, securing funding, enhancing data recording, and recognising the nuances of neurodiversity are vital components in preventing CAPVA. By navigating these complexities, communities can pave the way toward fostering safer, more empathetic, and supportive environments for families contending with CAPVA.