Survey to shine light on 'hidden harm'
Cleveland OPCCParents are being invited to share their experiences of aggression and violence from the children they care for.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland (OPCC) described it as a widespread "hidden harm" taking place behind closed doors which often went unreported.
Running until the end of June, the survey will also ask practitioners about their awareness of the issue, and how families are supported.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey said some parents did not report aggressive incidents because they feared their children would be "crimininalised".
Child-to-parent aggression can take the form of physical violence, emotional, economic or sexual abuse and coercive control, and may also include damage to property and abuse towards other family members.
Parent carers often want to protect their child despite experiencing harm from them, and frequently only report incidents when they have reached crisis point.
Fear of being criminalised
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: "It's common for parents and young people to feel shame about this kind of behaviour.
"Many parents are scared that their child will be criminalised or removed from the family if they report incidents.
"This, coupled with the fact that there is no standard way to record such incidents, means that they are frequently under-reported and hidden from view.
"I'd like to hear about people's experiences so we can better understand the problem and look at the best ways of addressing it."
All feedback to the survey is anonymous and people have until the end of June to take part.
