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Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, within the context of an intimate relationship. Violence and abuse can also be instigated by other family members.

Child on parent abuse describes a pattern of abusive behaviours directed at parents, including violence, damage to property, emotional and financial abuse and coercive control.

Practitioners working with families experiencing child on parent abuse can refer to the Home Office guidance for more information.

Information guide: adolescent to parent violence and abuse

Practitioners should also refer to London Safeguarding Children practice guidance on adolescent to parent violence and abuse. 

Last updated: 01 April 2026