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University of Rijeka
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Rijeka
Ph.D Jasminka Zloković
Sveučilišna avenija 4, Rijeka
jzlokovic@ffri.hr
VIOLENCE OF MINORS AGAINST PARENTS - FAMILY AND SOCIAL
PROBLEM 1
Abstract: Violence of minors against parents is a form of domestic violence whose existence is
practically denied in public despite the facts from everyday life that tell a different story and still
presents a family secret. The violence some parents experience is sometimes a normal
occurrence for many others. The results of a study conducted in 2014 on a sample of 188
adolescents (high school) respondents aged 15 to 17 confirm the presence of the phenomenon in
Croatia. Gender stereotypes on girls being more prone to psychological violence and on boys
being more prone to physical violence were not established by our research. Violence against
parents is created through the interaction of more than one type, wich makes the issue more
complex and the need for professional intervention all the more necessary. Bad family
relationships and the lack of (quality) time spent between parents and children are relevant
factors in the appearance of violence. The results show a lack of balance between family
relationships and indicate risk factors. The research findings that follow are in favor of support
and positive efforts to strengthen family life and make it more humane and better in which
unquestionably modern pedagogy have primary preventative significanc in relation to children
and young people, but also their parents. The aspect of professional attention and educational-
counseling programs focused on parents seems to be quite marginalized, but, the involvement of
social institutions is insufficient too. In order to create the basic preconditions for the prevention
of violence against minors against their parents, we continue working on the section of the
scientific project "Empowering the family to develop positive relationships and family
togetherness" 2019/2020. with the support of the University of Rijeka, continued to develop
various models of family empowerment.
Keywords: family relationships, juvenile parent violence, risky family, family empowerment
1. Introduction
Violence of minors against parents is a form of domestic violence and a relatively new field of
scientific research in regards to today’s scientifically – social marginalization of the problem in
1 This paper is result of scientific research work on the project "Empowering Families for the Development of Positive
Relationships and Family Communion" (lead by Jasminka Zloković, code: uniri-societies - 18-6, 1132) which started in
March 2019 with the support of co-financing the project by the University of Rijeka.
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question. In domestic violence context, there is a significant or complete lack of discussions and
analyses of this complex problem which could indicate either broader neglection of the problem,
an expression of tolerance or inability to cope with (domestic) violence problems.
In literature, terminologically, the term parent abuse was found as a part of the “Parent battery”
(In free translation: “Beaten up parents”) study in 1979 (Harbin and Maden,1979). Previously
mentioned term encompasses variety of both perpetrator and victims’ age, the violence of older
children against parents as well as younger children being abusers. Due to the lack of studies and
unsystematic way of official reporting on the problem of minors’ violence against their parents,
it is hard to determine its extent even in modern times. Dark numbers are estimated in wider
range from 100 to 400%. Certain difficulties during the determination of problem are present due
to the differences in the theoretical approaches that are used in order to define it, non-recognition
and unsystematic tracking of phenomenon’s spread. Official reports of domestic violence differ
in regards to institutions that track the problem – healthcare institutions, the police, Centre of
Social Welfare, courts, non-government organizations etc. (Zloković, 2014) and more often than
not, they do not distinguish violence of minors against parents as a separate form of violence.
Cottrell (2001) tried to answer the questions about the extent of minors’ violence against parents,
its causes as well as who represents welfare network. Frequency of phenomenon is found in 7 to
18% of cases. According to Downey (1997), violence of minors against parents is more frequent
in one-parent families (29%) which indicates the difficulties of parental care of children, whereas
according to Brown and Herbert (1997) no less than one out of three minors hit their parents
every year.
The problem of violence against parents should be viewed from different aspects, including
culturological. Despite the culture of respect towards parents and older people, in Japan, violence
against parents was seen as an escalating domestic problem more than ten years ago. According
to certain statistics, in Canada, one out of ten families is exposed to violence of their children.
(DeKeseredy, as cited in Bobić, 2002). Even though it is difficult to determine its frequency,
Agnew and Huguley (1989) point out that incidence estimation of minors’ violence against
parents ranges from 5 to 18%. The perpetrators include children from 10 to 13 years of age. In
Spain, statistics indicate that 8% of families find themselves in this type of unwanted situations
(Estevez and Gongora, 2009). In 2004, Robinson, Davidson and Drebot (Brighman Young
University) published the results of “Parent Abuse on the Rise” study which shows that out of
total number of abused parents, 57% of them endured physical abuse, 22% verbal abuse, whereas
22% of them tried to defend from their children’s attack. Out of total number of violence, 82% of
them was against single mothers. There are various viewpoints on this phenomenon out of which
we are going to highlight Robins’ perspective who claims that single mothers spend more time
with their children and are generally physically weaker. Additionally, it is difficult for them to
retaliate or they simply do not want to do that due to emotional bond with the child. Although
paradoxical in comparison to mothers as more frequent victims of adolescents’ violence, they
establish closer emotional relationships with their children. In the above-mentioned studies,
certain abusers were younger than 10, which indicates the complexity of this problem, while
parents feel responsible for the resulting situation while simultaneously feeling as they have lost
control of their children.
Furthermore, Family Lives organization warns about the problem of minors’ violence against
parents as out of 80.000 parents-victims’ calls, one third of them is about physical violence. Out
of total number of victims, Condry points out that 87% of them are mothers (Howard, 2014).
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Violence of minors against parents is a growing problem that can be noticed in Croatia as well
(print and electronic media, daily family relationships noticed in public etc.). Despite that, the
author of this paper is not aware of any conducted scientific or professional study, although
analytical research approach to the previous literature indicates the lack of examination of this
problem. Only small amount of data published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs are available.
However, more precise data that would determine violence of minors against their parents are
lacking. Similar problem still occurs so we are not able to see any qualitative changes in
recording even in 2019/2020. In Family discourse in domestic violence context study, conducted
in 2017, among a sample of 362 adult participants-parents exposed to violence of minors, there
are 24 or 6,6% of them who did not respond in the same way (Zloković and Čekolj, 2018).
It has to be emphasized that there are no conducted studies about this problem on the Balkans as
well as in transition countries. Slight traces of unofficial communication are reflected on a small
number of citizen forums led in Croatia and Slovenia. Additionally, in Bosnia and Herzegovina
the problem of minors’ violence against parents is mostly present as a topic in daily newspapers
which report about growing number of individual cases or as unofficial projections. Recently,
Montenegro has started to speak about this problem in media, even though the discussion is not
based on the results of scientific studies. An attempt to recognize the problem as well as raise
awareness about various forms and perpetrators in domestic violence, including violence of
minors against parents was made in 2013, when scientific conference that examined this problem
was organized in Nottingham (Domestic abuse by children against parents: preventing a
difficult problem getting worse, 2013). The study presented in this paper represents a pioneering
scientific step forward in recognizing and turning attention to the complex problem of numerous
parents as well as the need for implementation of pedagogical notions and social engagement in
family empowerment in Croatia. The plurality of approaches and practical models in the process
of empowering of different types and ways of family functioning, requires the plurality of
focuses on the possibilities that encourage better functioning not only of families at-risk, but also
those that can leave an impression of family cohesiveness and positive relationships for a longer
period of time.
2. Methodology and results
2.1 Research subject and problem
Since the lack of similar scientific studies in the world as well in Croatia is evident, the results of
the examination of the problem of minors’ violence against parents should help in its better
understanding, detecting its frequency, noticing of forms and ways of exerting violence as well
as comprehending potential consequences in order to help both the victim and the perpetrator.
The results of this study could potentially represent quality scientific base for the future research
of this problem in Croatia and beyond, especially in culturological environment.
The study is based on ecological theory that points out to the importance of social environments’
interactions while encouraging the development of socially acceptable behaviors. The theory is
applicable in the creation of domestic violence prevention because family context, incorporated
in other environments, is being considered (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The applied research draft is
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based on scientifically proven notions that universal programs of primary prevention as well as
other risky and anti-social behaviors, should start at early development stage (Burkhart, 2001;
Hočevar, 2009). We are especially emphasizing the crucial role of not only family, but also
preschool institutions, elementary and high schools, social and religious institutions as well as
various local environments in support of prevention activities out of which education and
counseling of adults are just one of many. The synergy between all mentioned factors could
significantly contribute in the prevention of violence.
In order to create basic assumptions for the prevention of minors’ violence against parents, we
have continued to work on “Empowering Families for the Development of Positive Relationships
and Family Communion” scientific project during the 2019-2021 period where we have
continued to create and develop various models of family empowerment.
2.2. Sample
This study used convenience and purposive sampling. Primorje-Gorski Kotar county’s high
school students participated in the study (four gymnasiums – 198 students went into eight 3rd
grades; two vocational schools – 49 students went into two 2nd grades). In total, 247 students
went into above mentioned grades. On the day of surveying, 188 students (76%) were present
which ultimately represented the sample of this study. The participants were between 15 and 18
years old. In regard to participants’ sex, 92 (48,9%) of them were girls while 96 (51,1%) of them
were boys. According to relevant studies, violent behaviors against parents are most often
identified among 13 to 17 years old adolescents. This was one of the reasons why adolescents
were chosen as a sample. The participants went into second (N=69;36,7%) and third grades of
high school (N=119; 63,3%), while most of the participants were 17 years old (61,75%).
The obtained results cannot be generalized on population of children in this age group due to the
fact that the participants were not chosen probabilistically. Generalization of the results is
possible on the students that go into high schools in which the study was conducted.
2.3. Data gathering procedures
The survey method was applied on the basis of predicted deductive and empirically-inductive
methodological approach. Children’s attitude towards parents (CAP) survey was exclusively
created for the purposes of this study on the basis of various theoretical approaches (ecological
theory, theory of social learning, integrative theory, lifestyle theory), available studies, official
reports and documentation on the problem of violence as well as direct professional experience
in working on problems between parents and their children. The survey consisted of two parts.
The first part was designed to gather demographic data of parents and participants (sex, brothers
and sisters, age, work and education status of parents, family’s financial status, family structure)
as well as participants’ personal statements about certain aspects of interpersonal family
relationships. In the second part, a 40 - item scale that represented certain children’s behaviors
towards their parents which would indicate the potential existence of violence was designed.
Psychometrical values showed the need to group scale items into four groups, out of which the
first one refers to children’s manipulation of parents (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0,93), the
second one to psychological violence (0,98), the third one to material exploitation of parents
(0,95) and the last one to physical violence (0,96) (Zloković, 2014: 112 -124).
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The students were asked to answer the questions regarding their behaviors as well as their
attitude towards parents in certain (conflicting) life situations. The answers included both past
time periods and current state and time.
2.4 Research aim and objectives
The general aim of the study was to recognize interpersonal family relationships as a potential
form of minors’ violence against parents as well as to find the solution and prevent the problem.
In accordance with the main aim of the study, its objectives were: examine demographic
characteristics and family structure; examine certain dimensions of family relationships;
participants’ personal statement on their satisfaction with family relationships as well as time
they spend with them; examine forms of inappropriate and violent behavior towards their
parents; determine the potential risk group of parents and minors.
2.5 Variables
Socio-demographic variables for parents and participants (parents and participants’ sex and age;
parents’ work experience and education level, family size and structure); participants’ personal
statement on achieved intimacy and satisfaction with family relationships.
2.6 Data analysis
Statistics program for social sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0) was used for data analysis.
Univariate statistical methods were used: absolute numbers and percentages of categorical
variables, measures of central tendency and variability. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, which
determines effect size, i.e., the degree of connection between two variables with level of
statistical significance set at p< 0,05, was used. In order to determine scales’ reliability,
Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used.
3. Results and discussion
Study’s results, based on the sample of adolescent participants (N=188) between the age of 15
and 18, detect the frequency of minors’ violence against parents. The results point out the need to
redefine certain main aims and objectives that are mentioned in domestic violence prevention
programs because they do not recognize the problem of children’s violence against parents. The
highlighted adolescents show all four types of violence on the violence detection scale– material
abuse of parents, manipulating, psychological and physical violence.
Coefficients of connections between individual scales (Zloković, 2014, 110-124) show the
existence of various and multiple forms of violence. If we observe the problem through
individual forms within the complete sample, the largest number of adolescents, 31 of them
(16%) manipulate with their parents. Psychological violence as a behavior towards parents is
found in 27 adolescents (14%), material exploitation in 18 (10%) and physical violence in 9
participants (4,8%).
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Poor relationships as well as poor material status of the family were common features in all four
scales. Both of them are risk factors that require attention on the primary prevention and family
empowerment level due to weakened and unwanted interactions between family members.
Today’s society highly encourages the need for individual affirmation, competition and the
approval of abilities, personal ambitions and wishes of every individual, which in turn affects
already weakened interpersonal family interactions. Additionally, it weakens family cohesion,
encourages interpersonal avoidance and causes the lack of time spent together. On the other
hand, as a response to external risk factors, in certain families, overemphasizing of high cohesion
level and closing of family borders occurs. The life in centrifugal or centripetal families
represents a risk factor in children’s behavioral issues as well as violent behaviors.
In society, a stereotype regarding the perpetuator’s sex persists in which boys exert physical
violence, while girls show tendencies to exert psychological violence. Our study does not
confirm these statements. Even though not significantly prominent, five girls and four boys were
present on the scale used to determine the presence of physical violence. On the scales used to
determine the presence of psychological violence as well as the one used to measure the level of
children’s manipulation of parents, higher number of boys than girls were present. Equal number
of boys and girls were present on the material exploitation of parents with low socio-economic
status scale.
Previous studies indicate the importance of “parent education” variable. More precisely, lower
level of education is viewed as a risk factor in the occurrence of violence. This was confirmed in
our study as parents with either elementary education or without it were more exposed to
children’s violence. However, physical violence as a form of behavior towards parents is found
in certain families where both parents have at least finished their high school education.
According to the results of this study, violence of minors against parents is a phenomenon
present in both two-parent and one-parent families and the need to empower the role of family in
the prevention of anti-social behaviors. Education and counseling of parents, encouraging them
for cooperation and partnership with experts working in educational and other social as well as
healthcare institutions, represent an important aspect in an effort to empower families and
encourage positive relationships between people no matter their sex, age or any other socio-
demographical characteristic.
Due to space restrictions, only part of the results was highlighted of an otherwise larger study.
4. Concluding remarks
Without pretentions about theoretical and practical comprehensiveness, due to the fact that
studying family functioning and relationships is a complex problem, we tried to examine one of
the marginalized forms of domestic violence – violence of minors against their parents. An
evident lack of research in this field is present on both national and worldwide level. The results
should contribute to better understanding of the problem, recognition and detection of its
frequency, noticing of the forms and ways one could exert violence as well as comprehending
potential consequences on parents-victims in order to help both the victim and the perpetrator.
The results could not only contribute to the possible creation of prevention programs on both
primary and secondary levels, but also represent potential quality scientific basis for further
research of this problem in Republic of Croatia and beyond. Additionally, the results indicate the
need to redefine main aims and objectives in National (international) Strategy for Protection
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against Domestic Violence due to the fact that this phenomenon is either insufficiently or not
recognized at all in official national (international) documents. In families where violence
occurs, low family cohesion, the lack of positive communication and in some cases inappropriate
parenting practices were observed, which indicates the need to find scientific as well as various
social and educational content and activities which would focus on family empowerment needs.
By recognizing the problem, accepting the phenomenon’s existence and its consequences as well
as raising society’s awareness of it, the need to promote efficient and systematic interdisciplinary
approach on the primary, secondary and tertiary level is imposed. Certain answers could be
found through enriching and developing of educational programs not only in obligatory
education of children and youth, but also in lifelong learning and education of parents. On a
national level, a permanent lack of programs intended to encourage cooperation and partnership
with parents on all educational levels is present, which could in turn represent a significant
contribution to the promotion of positive family relationships as well primary prevention of poor
relationships within it. Primary prevention programs in educational as well as social institutions
and beyond in both Croatia and its neighboring countries only partially encompass contents that
encourage appropriate child care, self-care and health, human rights, positive lifestyles, positive
family relationships or tolerant interpersonal relationships in broader environment.
Unfortunately, social marginalization of domestic and social problems of numerous families is
present because they are not recognized as potential or realistic victims of children’s violence.
Being aware of inevitable individual approach and despite certain sample restrictions, we believe
that pointing out the existence of this phenomenon as well as encouraging of systematic national
studies will help in attempts to empower family cohesion and positive family relationships. The
fact is that some parents (and children) do not confess that they live in fear of physical and
psychological pain caused by their partners, spouses or parents. This study’s results represent a
basis for pedagogical and social aspected dealing with the issue of domestic violence in order to
bring this issue into the spotlight. We believe that the results will contribute to the creation and
application of pedagogical primary programs, exclusively systematic educational activities
starting from the earliest life period, during lifelong learning in family empowerment and raising
of both children and adults’ quality of life. Furthermore, we believe that the work on
“Empowering Families for the Development of Positive Relationships and Family Communion”
scientific project will represent a quality contribution to the continuation of preventive work on
the problem of this study. The author’s wish is that this study does not only represent an
encouragement for further national and international studies, but also to serve both scientists and
families in order to ponder about family relationships and possible changes which a family could
and should do. A more optimistic picture is often not seen in the victim’s perspective, while
institutions simultaneously, due to various objective and subjective reasons, do not represent
either significant or efficient support. Thus, the problem of domestic violence, including children
as perpetrators, requires complex approach to prevention and intervention as family, or above all,
social problem. One of the potential ways of finding the solution is the application of primarily
preventive programs on the educational and social institutions level with the focus on family
relationships, the possibilities of empowering parental competencies as well as promotion of
family values to all acters in education process – students, parents, teachers and beyond.
5. References
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