Over the past three years there were one hundred reports of child on parent abuse, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Falzon announced yesterday.

The reports were received by Aġenzija Appoġġ, which then took action.

Falzon was addressing a seminar on violence against parents, which was held at the old university building.

He said this was a reality the country was facing, adding that many times, children who abused of their parents would only be repeating behaviour they would have witnessed at the home.

He added that children can be traumatized by seeing their parents being violent with each other.

Alfred Grixti, the CEO for the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said these cases often involve young boys abusing their mothers. Many times these cases go unreported as mothers experienced shame and victim blaming when they came forward.

The minister urged those present to unite against all forms of violence, including that taking place inside the family home, which is supposed to be a place of love.

Falzon said the government had, from the start of the last legislature, set out to strengthen rehabilitation programmes for those involved in domestic violence, including the aggressors.

Falzon said the government would, together with all stakeholders, including the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, strengthen the holistic and specialized assistance offered to children and families who experience domestic violence.

The FSWS is addressing the situation by providing professional training to its employees, especially those who come in direct contact with the people who end up in delicate situations.