Enfield charity publishes book aiming to help people understand child-to-parent abuse

Family Based Solutions boss says parents often feel “isolated, ashamed and frightened to ask for help”

Ayse Adil from Family Based Solutions with the new advice book

An Enfield charity that has spent more than a decade supporting families affected by domestic abuse has published a “groundbreaking” new book.

Family Based Solutions aims to change the way professionals understand and respond to child-to-parent abuse – one of the most hidden forms of family abuse.

Understanding Child to Parent Abuse: Recovery Through Solution Focused Brief Therapy, written by Family Based Solutions founders Ayse Adil and Joseph Lettieri and published by Routledge, brings together research, frontline experience and practical approaches to help professionals better support families experiencing child-to-parent abuse.

This can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, physical violence, coercive behaviour and damage to property. Yet, many parents continue to suffer in silence because they fear being judged, blamed or simply not believed.

The book challenges common misconceptions and encourages professionals to look beyond behaviour, recognising the impact of trauma, relationships and wider family experiences while helping families move towards recovery.

Founded in Enfield in 2012, Family Based Solutions has supported more than 1,500 families across London and beyond. The Chase Side Crescent-based charity provides specialist support for families affected by domestic abuse, child-to-parent abuse and harmful behaviours, while also delivering training to professionals across the UK and internationally.

The organisation has received international recognition from the European Brief Therapy Association (EBTA) for its innovative family work, reflecting its commitment to developing “practical, solution-focused approaches that help families rebuild relationships and create lasting change”.

Although based in Enfield, Family Based Solutions now shares its work with professionals around the world through international conferences, training programmes and workshops. The publication of this book marks another milestone for the charity.

Ayse Adil, co-founder and chief executive of Family Based Solutions, said: “When we first began talking about child-to-parent abuse, very few people were willing to acknowledge it.

“Parents often told us they felt isolated, ashamed and frightened to ask for help. We wrote this book because we wanted those families to know they are not alone, while giving professionals practical ways to respond with greater understanding, compassion and hope.”

Fellow co-founder Joseph Lettieri added: “Every chapter has been shaped by the families who have trusted us with their experiences over the past thirteen years. We hope this book encourages professionals to ask different questions, recognise strengths and support families before relationships reach crisis point.”

To celebrate the publication, Family Based Solutions will host a global online book launch on Wednesday, 16th September, bringing together professionals from across the UK and around the world to discuss child-to-parent abuse, solution-focused practice and improving support for families.

Understanding Child to Parent Abuse: Recovery Through Solution Focused Brief Therapy is published by Routledge and is available to purchase from Amazon and directly through Routledge.

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

ACT NOW!

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.