Randomised control trial of the Child and Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA) programme run by RISE Mutual Community Interest Company (CIC)
Living with verbal, physical, or emotional abuse from a child can be distressing and exhausting for parents and carers. This UK trial investigates a dedicated support programme called RISE CAPVA. The study will look at whether this programme helps reduce violent behaviour from children aged 9 to 17 towards their parents. Families who join are randomly placed into one of two groups. One group takes part in the RISE programme, attending around 12 parent sessions and up to six sessions for the young person. The other group receives the usual standard support provided in their local area, such as help from a social worker and safety planning. Both groups will complete surveys before starting and again after 10 months. The aim is to see which approach works best to create calmer, safer homes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Child and adolescent to parent violence and abuse (CAPVA) happens when a child or teenager uses physical force, threats, verbal insults, or emotional pressure to control a parent or carer. While it affects many families across the UK, it is often kept hidden due to shame or fear. Most research in the past has focused on describing the problem rather than testing practical solutions to stop it. This study aims to change that by testing an intervention designed specifically to bring peace back into the home.
The trial evaluates a programme developed by RISE Mutual, a community interest group. The programme teaches parents 'non-violent resistance' methods. These are calm, steady, and respectful ways to respond to aggressive behaviour without using punishment or getting drawn into arguments. At the same time, young people may be offered up to six sessions that teach healthy coping skills, emotional awareness, and mindfulness to help them manage strong feelings.
Because we need clear evidence on what works best, half of the families taking part will receive the RISE programme, while the other half receive the usual support available in their local community. By comparing the two groups over 10 months, researchers from the University of Hertfordshire hope to learn how local services can best support families in crisis across the UK.
Key takeaways
- The study tests the RISE programme to help parents manage aggressive behaviour from children aged 9 to 17.
- Parents learn calm, non-confrontational strategies (Non-Violent Resistance) across 12 sessions.
- Young people may also attend up to six sessions to learn healthy coping and emotional skills.
- Half of the families will receive the RISE programme, while the other half receive standard local support.
- Questionnaires are completed at the start and after 10 months to measure changes in family life.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to families who have been referred by professionals because a child aged 9 to 17 is showing medium to high levels of abusive or controlling behaviour towards a parent or carer. This can include physical aggression, verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, or financial demands.
To keep everyone safe, some families will not be able to join. The study is not suitable if there is current domestic violence between the adults in the home, or if an abusive adult partner lives in the household. It is also not suitable if there is a known history of child abuse directed at the young person.
Finally, the trial cannot include families where a child is on the verge of entering care and social services have decided it is currently unsafe for the family to live together under the same roof.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are a parent or carer living with a child aged 9 to 17.
- The young person shows medium to high levels of verbal, emotional, financial, or physical abuse towards you.
- You have been referred or screened by a local family support professional or social care team.
- There is no active domestic abuse between the adult partners in the home.
- There is no history of parental abuse directed towards the child.
What does participation involve?
If your family is referred and agrees to take part, a RISE practitioner will first meet with you to confirm whether the study is suitable for your situation. You will then be randomly assigned (by chance, like flipping a coin) to either the RISE programme group or the standard support group.
If you are in the RISE group, parents or carers will attend at least 12 sessions. If appropriate, your child will attend up to six individual sessions. These sessions focus on defusing conflict, building a support network of friends and family, and repairing family bonds. If you are placed in the standard support group, you will continue to receive the care normally offered in your area, such as a lead social worker, local service signposting, and a clear safety plan.
No medication is involved in this study. Families in both groups will fill out questionnaires about family life, stress, and behaviour at the start of the study and again about 10 months later. In total, your participation will last around 10 to 12 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- RISE Mutual CICCity onlyLondon, England
Common questions
What is Non-Violent Resistance (NVR)?
NVR is a calm parenting approach that helps you take a firm, peaceful stand against aggressive behaviour without shouting, arguing, or using physical punishment.
Does my child have to agree to take part?
Parents can still take part in the main programme even if their child refuses to attend the young person's sessions. The parent sessions alone can still make a big difference.
Will taking part involve the police?
Taking part does not automatically involve the police. However, normal safeguarding rules apply: if someone is in immediate physical danger, standard safety procedures must be followed.
Why is there a control group that gets standard care?
To prove that the RISE programme truly works, researchers must compare it against the standard help already offered in local communities.
Can I leave the study if it is not working for us?
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your standard local support.
How to find out more
Caroline Cresswell
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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