Child to Parent Violence and Abuse (CPVA) Professional Perspectives Survey A summary of VisAble’s 2026 survey: The Professionals Voice

The VisAble 2026 Professional Perspectives Survey highlights that Child to Parent Violence and Abuse (CPVA) is a common yet under-recognised issue across Aotearoa New Zealand, with most professionals reporting experience working with affected families but lacking consistent understanding, training, and confidence in identifying and responding to it. The findings reveal significant gaps in systems and services, including minimal formal training, unclear referral pathways, limited specialist supports, and low confidence that whānau can access timely or appropriate help. CPVA is frequently misunderstood as poor parenting rather than a complex form of family violence linked to trauma, disability, and unmet needs, contributing to stigma and parental blame. Structural barriers such as fragmented services, funding constraints, long waitlists, and lack of coordination further prevent effective responses, while both families and professionals often feel unsupported and isolated. Overall, the report calls for stronger recognition of CPVA, improved training and guidance, coordinated system responses, and increased investment in accessible, culturally appropriate, and whānau-centred supports to ensure better outcomes for families