Juvenile abuse on parents : the other side of the coin

Abstract

Research on family violence has come to the forefront in the last few decades and has mainly focused on partner, spouse, child and elderly abuse. One hidden and insidious type of abuse existing in families is adolescence abuse on parents. It is hidden due to shame and fear due to societal disapproval. This study uses data collected through questionnaires distributed to adolescents of ages 14 and 15 from Malta and Gozo. To corroborate the findings further, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with two social workers. Data indicates that juvenile abuse on parents does occur and the most common type of abuse is physical followed by verbal and financial abuse. Although boys are more likely to perpetrate physical abuse, this study has shown that girls are catching up. Girls' attitudes are changing and are less excepting of the traditional and cultural socialization. Also there is an indication that there is a relationship between parent abuse, getting into trouble at school and having friends who act in a similar manner towards their parents.