Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse: Current Understandings in Research, Policy and Practice

by Amanda Holt

Overview

Since the first edition of Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse, there has been a huge increase in media, research, policy and practice interest on the topic. This second edition explores the impact on individuals, families and communities, extending the field to include neurodiversity, kinship care, adult-aged perpetrators and fatal violence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447373148
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	10/07/2025
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	194
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

Amanda Holt is Professor of Criminology at the University of Roehampton.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The problem of adolescent-to-parent abuse

1. Locating parent abuse: Abuse in families

2. Experiencing parent abuse: Parent and carer voices

3. Explaining parent abuse: Insights from the research

4. Contextualising parent abuse: Parenthood, adolescence and power

5. Responding to parent abuse: Frontline services

6. Working with parent abuse: Interventions

Conclusion: Future directions for policy, practice and research

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The abuse of parents by young people has until recently been a hidden topic. This book breaks new ground by describing the extent of the problem, and by providing a thoughtful review of the research, policy and practice in this area. The book includes resources for professionals as well as for parents themselves. I recommend this book as an outstanding text for all interested in families and in family dysfunction.". Dr John Coleman, Department of Education, University of Oxford

“Amanda Holt has produced a compelling and pioneering study of an issue that is often overlooked. She shows how parent abuse can be better understood and, by situating its dynamic of intimate violence within a wider social and cultural context, she shows why it must be addressed more effectively.” Professor Peter Squires, University of Brighton

Editorial Reviews

"The abuse of parents by young people has until recently been a hidden topic. This book breaks new ground by describing the extent of the problem, and by providing a thoughtful review of the research, policy and practice in this area. The book includes resources for professionals as well as for parents themselves. I recommend this book as an outstanding text for all interested in families and in family dysfunction." John Coleman, University of Oxford

“Amanda Holt has produced a compelling and pioneering study of an issue that is often overlooked. She shows how parent abuse can be better understood and, by situating its dynamic of intimate violence within a wider social and cultural context, she shows why it must be addressed more effectively.” Peter Squires, University of Brighton

“Adolescent-to-parent abuse is a growing concern for those working within social services and youth justice. This book offers a much-needed discussion of the factors contributing to this behaviour and provides a critique of interventions currently in place. It is essential for anyone wanting to further understand problematic family dynamics.” James Alexander, London Metropolitan University

From the Publisher

"The abuse of parents by young people has until recently been a hidden topic. This book breaks new ground by describing the extent of the problem, and by providing a thoughtful review of the research, policy and practice in this area. The book includes resources for professionals as well as for parents themselves. I recommend this book as an outstanding text for all interested in families and in family dysfunction."

John Coleman

"Holt has delivered a thought-provoking and well-structured summary of the largely uncharted territory of adolescent-to-parent abuse."

British Journal of Social Work

Amanda Holt has produced a compelling and pioneering study of an issue that is often overlooked. She shows how parent abuse can be better understood and, by situating its dynamic of intimate violence within a wider social and cultural context, she shows why it must be addressed more effectively.”

Peter Squires

hugely informative and balanced . . . offers educators a range of options for integrating the topic.”

Social Work and Education Review