Chapter one: defining APV

This course is split into weeks or ‘chapters’, which you can work through at your own pace.

What is adolescent–to–parent violence (APV)?

Adolescent–to–parent violence (APV) is a common term used both by researchers and service providers. However, it is important to know what we mean by APV. People define APV differently, which may have long-lasting complications for families desperately wanting support.

For example, a service may define APV as only physical violence. So, when a mother comes in desperately wanting support for her son who verbally abuses her every day, this same service may turn her away. In their opinion, there is no adolescent–to–parent violence, because he is not using physical violence.

In the above example, the mother leaves the service thinking no one believes her, there is no support for her and her experience is not valued. It is highly likely she will not engage with service again until she needs to call the police on her own son. It is crucial that we provide support when parents reach out for help.