A growing number of parents are reporting sexual abuse perpetrated by their own children, according to support groups and pioneering academic research.
Lucy, a mother who was sexually assaulted by her adult son, described the profound isolation of her experience. “I felt like I was the only person this had happened to,” she said. Her son was convicted but given a community order.
Pegs, a social enterprise supporting those affected by child-to-parent abuse, surveyed 188 parents and found 17% reported experiencing sexual harm from their child. The organization’s director, Michelle John, called it “the taboo within the taboo.”
Experts link the trend to poor mental health support, social isolation, and children’s exposure to harmful online content. Some parents report their children using AI tools to create indecent images.
A University of Roehampton study analyzed data from 2,000 parents and found 13% had experienced harmful sexual behavior from their child. Of those, 96% were mothers. The researcher, Professor Amanda Holt, stated the issue can no longer be avoided.
Victims often fear being blamed or losing custody, preventing them from speaking out. “It adds that extra layer of shame and isolation,” said John of Pegs.