'When it's your kids hitting you, you can't leave'

16 March 2025

Helen Richardson

Political Reporter, NE & Cumbria

Jane Downs

BBC North East & Cumbria Investigations

Although data can be recorded differently across police forces, the number of reported assaults on parents and carers by children as young as eight appears to be increasing

Getty A woman with a clipboard sits in front of a child covering their face with a cuddly toy and another adult. Both adults are looking at the child with some concern (posed by models) — Although data can be recorded differently across police forces, the number of reported assaults on parents and carers by children as young as eight appears to be increasing

Parents and guardians who have suffered violence at the hands of children in their care say services are a "postcode lottery". Despite a seeming rise in attacks, alongside greater awareness, experts agree the problem is not being properly addressed.

Here, one couple share their experience.

"She had me round the throat one day," Angela, a guardian to a young girl, told the BBC.

"Another time she had me against the bench with a knife at at her throat, saying she was going to kill herself and make me watch.

"That was a really, really scary time that seemed to go on forever."

After a family breakdown, Chris and Angela (not their real names) took on the care of a female relative who was still at primary school.

Over time, they say, the child's behaviour deteriorated until the couple realised they were in physical danger.

They were open with social services from the outset, but say their concerns were "minimised" and they were just told to "keep going."

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