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

by Amanda Holt

Overview

Since publication of the first edition, awareness of, and interest in, adolescent-to-parent abuse has risen considerably. Thoroughly revised and updated to incorporate the latest research and developments in policy and practice, this second edition provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues and current responses to the challenges in dealing with this unique form of family abuse.

Exploring the experiences and impact of adolescent-to-parent abuse on individuals, families and communities, this book extends the field to include issues relating to neurodiversity, kinship care, trauma, adult-aged perpetration and fatal violence. Throughout the book, leading expert Amanda Holt challenges existing policy frameworks while offering practical insights for work with families, parents/carers and young people who are experiencing this problem.

A key text for academics, researchers, students and practitioners in psychology, sociology, criminology, social work and social policy, this book provides essential guidance for understanding and addressing this complex and pressing issue.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447373162
Publisher:	Policy Press
Publication date:	09/02/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	194

About the Author

Dr. Amanda Holt is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Lancaster University. She has published widely in the fields of parenting, youth justice and families and employs a multi-disciplinary approach to her research and analysis.

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