Living in fear of your child can not only be exhausting but shameful.
Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home -
If you are in fear of being hurt or someone in the house being hurt call 999.
It is hard to imagine calling the police on your child. Many parents we work with are, understandably, confused and scared about this.
However, you and anyone else in the home have The Right to Feel Safe.
Calling the police is not easy and may not be the answer for you but keeping safe is. The police DO NOT want to criminalise your child - this is about you making a very clear stance that ABUSE and VIOLENCE is not acceptable behaviour.
You are giving a clear message to your child that they also have the right to be safe and you are protecting them.
IF YOU ARE IN CONFLICT WITH YOUR CHILD NOW:
If it is safe to do so stay with your child and validate their feelings.
"I can see you are angry and you are allowed to be angry, but it is not okay to hit me/damage things".
Talking too much to anyone who is in a heightened emotional state can 'fall of deaf ears', they are unlikely to be able to respond in a calm way.
Stay present (if safe) and use few words to let your child know you are there. Continue to validate feelings, or if this escalates remain quiet.
Make sure you have your phone with you so you can contact the police or a friend for help and support.
Don't try to reason at this point with your child or demand they stop.
If you are in danger or fear for anyone in the home call the police.
CASE STUDIES
Listen to some of our parents experiences - coming soon
CASE STUDY 1
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CASE STUDY 2
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CASE STUDY 3
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CASE STUDY 4
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