EastEnders is set to tackle the difficult issue of CPA (child-to-parent abuse) in its latest storyline, focusing on the relationship between Kat Slater and her son, Tommy Moon. The storyline, which is airing over the summer, aims to raise awareness about this often overlooked form of domestic abuse.
The decision to highlight this issue is a brave one, as child-to-parent abuse is a topic that is rarely discussed in the media, especially as the rate of abuse had increased by 70% during the pandemic. However, it is a problem that affects many families, with an estimated 3% of UK households experiencing some form of child-to-parent abuse. So what does that number look like?
According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 19.4 million families in the UK in 2023. 3% would mean approximately 570,000 families are experiencing some kind of CPA, which is truly shocking.
According to PEGS, CPA can be in many forms, such as physical, emotional. Coercive and controlling, economic and financial, digital, harassment and stalking, and even sexual abuse too.
EastEnders has a long history of tackling tough issues, and this latest storyline is sure to be one that will spark discussion and debate. The show's producers have consulted with PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support), a charity that supports families experiencing child-to-parent abuse, to ensure that the storyline is handled sensitively.
Viewers can catch up on all the latest EastEnders action on the BBC iPlayer, and for those who need support or information about child-to-parent abuse, there are a number of organizations that can help, including PEGS and the BBC Action Line.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child-to-parent abuse, there are organizations that can help. You can contact the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) for support and advice.
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