'More callers are being attacked by their kids', says Rutland support helpline

The charity's received nearly 500,000 in funding to help tackle the issue

Author: Kate StrongPublished 20th May 2023

A domestic violence support charity in Rutland says it's seeing a rise parents being verbally or physically abused by their children.

Freeva's Young People's Project has been awarded over £480,000 to help families being affected across the county.

Freeva says 94% of perpetrators of domestic abuse were once victims themselves, or grew up in houses where abuse was witnessed.

The charity aims to break the cycle of violence by mending the bonds between abusive youths and their parents or carers.

The funding will help see over 150 young people receive one-to-one support, while a further 3000 will be given lectures discussing how to have healthy relationships.

Carys Radford, the service manager of the project, feels the fund has come at just the right time:

“We are seeing a massive increase in referrals in this kind for this type of abuse, so we know it is happening”

“People are becoming more educated about it, so are actually seeing it as abuse and accessing support”

“There is a lot less shame and stigma”

Suki Kaur, Chief executive of Freeva said, she was thrilled by the funding:

“We know that the support provided to young people and their families through this project makes a significance difference to restoring healthier relationships

“This funding helps us to meet our commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse”

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