Restoring competence and confidence- non-violent resistance as a response to child-to-parent violence in Ireland

Abstract

In this article, we describe some of the difficulties some parents and therapists can encounter when faced with child to parent violence. We hope to show that an adapted Non Violent Resistance Programme seems to restore confidence and competence to parents who have lived with child to parent violence; the Non Violent Resistance programme also provides therapists with a helpful way to talk with parents about their experiences of violence. Such conversations can lead to an end of the fear and isolation at the heart of the experience. We will also outline an innovative research project involving five countries in the European Union that includes, as its objectives, increasing awareness of child to parent violence and exploring participants responses to a two day training programme on Non Violent Resistance. As a way of reflecting on experience and practice, we will also use an anonymised case example, drawn from the experiences of one of us.