Neurodiversity, Domestic Abuse and Child-to-Parent Violence: Understanding Family Violence Across the Life Course
This session is ONLINE and for ONLY for Professionals working with autistic/adhd adults in NWL (this training is not for parents/carers/ families)
This interactive training explores the intersection of neurodiversity, domestic abuse, and family violence, with a particular focus on child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA) and adult child-to-parent violence. Drawing on contemporary research and practice experience, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how harm can emerge, be experienced, and be responded to within family relationships.
The session will:
- Explore the concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, and their relevance to family relationships and support services.
- Examine definitions of domestic abuse and family violence, including the statutory definition of domestic abuse and the challenges of applying it across different forms of family violence.
- Introduce key theories and frameworks for understanding child-to-parent violence and abuse, including domestic abuse and explosive harmful behaviours.
- Consider how maladaptive coping and behavioural strategies can develop in childhood as attempts to meet unmet needs, and how these patterns may continue across the life course.
- Explore the concept of coercive structural control and its impact within intimate and family relationships.
- Examine how coercive control and family violence can manifest in cases of adult child-to-parent violence and abuse.
- Share practical, evidence-informed approaches and strategies for professionals supporting families experiencing family violence.
Speakers
Dr Nikki Rutter
Dr Nikki Rutter is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, working across Criminology, Sociology, and Social Work. Her research focuses on children and families’ experiences of harm, with particular expertise in child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA) and the ways children experience, respond to, and sometimes instigate harm within family contexts. Nikki is especially interested in developing more inclusive and effective responses to CPVA that recognise and respond to the experiences of neurodivergent children, young people, and families. She has a professional background in social work, including practice in domestic abuse and child protection services, and is committed to participatory and creative approaches that centre the voices of children and families.
Dr Nicole Renehan
Dr Nicole Renehan is Assistant Professor in Criminology within the Department of Sociology. Her research focuses on domestic abuse perpetration and perpetrator interventions, with a particular interest in how services and interventions can better respond to neurodiverse populations. Nicole has extensive practice experience within multi-agency domestic abuse and child protection settings and has worked with young men in secure environments and disabled young people experiencing distress. Her work bridges research and practice to improve understanding and responses to domestic abuse across diverse populations.