A disabled woman from Nottinghamshire has spoken out about the six years of abuse she has endured at the hands of her stepson. Sarah, who requested anonymity, stated that she felt unsafe in her own home and that she goes to work daily because it is the only place where she feels safe.
PEGS, a social enterprise group that assists families facing abuse, surveyed 200 service users and discovered that 75% had called the police to de-escalate at least one incident, and 25% had done so at least five times. In addition, 68% of parents felt they had not received the necessary assistance after consulting a professional.
Ten times per day, according to Sarah, her stepson would verbally abuse her and call her a “cripple.” In addition to assaulting his father with a metal object, he had previously warned Sarah that she “wouldn’t be around for much longer.” After Sarah reported her stepson’s behaviour three times to the police, he was given alternative housing but returned a few weeks later, and neither he nor his family received any support.
Michelle John, founder of PEGS, commented: “Parents are frequently informed that their child may have A, B, or C. That is not very useful for them in their current situation. In this circumstance, we must ask, “We see you, we hear you, and what can we do to protect the family as a whole?””
Becky Sutton, executive director of Local Mental Health Services for Nottinghamshire Healthcare, stated, “Child-to-parent abuse is extremely serious and can be traumatic for all parties involved. CAMHS clinicians frequently collaborate with partnership agencies to improve care packages so that young people and their families achieve the best possible outcomes.
Sarah’s story highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection measures for abused families. PEGS has demanded that parents in these difficult circumstances receive more assistance and that young people and their families receive the necessary assistance.
Sarah, who endures daily verbal abuse at the hands of her stepson, stated, “I’ve hit rock bottom. I go to work because it is the only place where I feel secure.” Each year, domestic violence affects tens of thousands of families across the United Kingdom, including this tragic example.
