When Adult Child is the Abuser
Footage is provided courtesy of National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life. 2018.
For the abused adult, the parent-child relationship may be the most important part of their lives. It can be very difficult to hold their children accountable. They may be in disbelief or they may feel ashamed as a “bad” parent. People who have experienced systemic abuse may be fearful of subjecting their children to a punitive or authoritative system. It is imperative that we reassure them it is not their fault and foster a safe environment to support them to receive help and to minimize harm while preserving their family relationship as much as possible.
