West Mercia PCC funds support sessions for parents experiencing abuse
West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner has stepped in to support parents experiencing abuse from their own children.
John Campion has awarded almost £30,000 of Ministry of Justice funding to PEGS, an organisation which works with families impacted by physical, financial, emotional or sexual behaviour displayed by children of any age.
The grant will be used to deliver 12 Empowering Parents in Crisis (EPIC) sessions, a group programme which provides emotional and practical support for parents, carers and guardians who are living with a child displaying abusive, violent or out-of-control behaviours.
The sessions focus on behaviour and communication, safety and risk, trauma response, advocacy and working with professionals, and aim to increase confidence, empower and inform those attending.
PEGS - which also trains professionals such as social workers and police officers so they can respond appropriately to CPA, as well as raising awareness and influencing national policy – became operational in April 2020 and has already supported nearly 500 families.
Founding Director Michelle John said: “We are hugely thankful to Mr Campion and his team for their support, which will positively impact the lives of parents experiencing CPA. As well as the grant itself, the PCC’s support brings awareness to the issue, which is often left in the shadows.
“Research indicates between 3% and 10% of families are impacted but many parents report a lack of support, so we aim to provide the assistance, advocacy and listening ear they so desperately need.”
Commissioner John Campion said “Victims are at the heart of everything we do, and my commitment as Commissioner is to ensure there are many different routes in place to help people cope and recover. This investment will provide dedicated, expert support to everyone who needs help, when they need it.”
