FUNDING has been made available to help households in lockdown dealing with "child-on-parent" abuse.

Restorative Solutions, an organisation that provides restorative justice across Cumbria, an approach that puts the victim and perpetrator in communication, received the money for its Step-up family programme.

It will launch on Monday and provide families with support where parents and carers are experiencing abuse from a child between the ages of 11 to 17.

The programme aims to provide over-the-phone support to families quarantining together during the COVID-19 contagion.

The money has been provided by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall.

The aim of the support is to families to stay safe, learn how to deal with conflict, set boundaries and family rules.

The Police can refer families or can offer a self-referral option to families.

Jane Wignall, Step-up Coordinator, said: “During these extraordinary times of isolation due to the Covid Pandemic, Restorative Solutions Step Up team are delighted to announce that we are now available to work with families experiencing child on parent violence and abuse in the home, via telephone and video calls.

“It will run for 3 months from May 11.”

Mr McCall, said: “Abuse can come in many forms and from anyone.

“Children can become the abuser in a home setting and cause fear and intimidation in parents and carers.

“It’s imperative that there are services available to every person that is facing abuse that can provide support and advice to help defer and defuse a negative situation.

“This is even more important since we’ve entered quarantine and families are spending more time in each other’s company, when emotions run high and a situation can quickly turn volatile.

“If you are facing abuse please call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – your report will be taken seriously.”

For information on the organsation's activities go online to: www.restorativesolutions.org.uk