An increase in the number of parents who have been victims of domestic abuse at the hands of their adult children has led to a support group being set up.

Swale is one of two areas involved in a trial scheme to help mums and dads by meeting up with others who have been through similar problems.

The Regain programme is designed to help people recapture control in their lives.

No figures were available, but a police officer, who deals solely with victims of domestic abuse in Swale, says she has noticed a “vast increase” in reports from parents being abused by grown-up children.

PC Amanda Walshaw spotted the rise when she carried out daily reviews of crimes including abuse reported to police.

She said the perpetrators were predominantly sons but there had been some daughters as well and the abuse took the form of control and coercive behaviour, verbal and physical abuse, manipulation and, very rarely, sexual abuse.

She said: “People tend to be staying longer at home with parents now due to financial reasons and lack of accommodation and the pressures can sometimes contribute to domestic abuse.

Through the Regain programme, a 10 to 12-week course, parents are to hear about different types of abuse and different personas of abusers.

In Swale, it will be delivered by Sateda (Swale Action To End Domestic Abuse) and Swale Community Safety Partnership, a team effort between authorities such as Swale council and the police, and funded by the Office of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner.

Cllr Ken Pugh, cabinet member for community safety and health at the council, said: “We have seen an increase in the number of victims where the perpetrator is their adult son or daughter.

“Support for these victims is limited, as existing programmes are more suited to dealing with cases of abuse between partners.

“We will be able to develop a tailored package of support that, if successful, could be shared across the county to help others suffering this kind of abuse.”

Police and crime commissioner Ann Barnes has provided £3,000 for the programme.

She said: “It’s a small amount of money which could make a big difference.

“Being a victim of abuse, but where the offender is your own child who is still living with you, is an emotional rollercoaster.

“You want to get help but you also want to help your child and there’s no easy way to resolve that dilemma.

“Hopefully by getting together to talk in a safe and comfortable environment, these victims can help each other move on.”

The new group is likely to see about 15 people meet up regularly for about three months.

The pilot scheme, which is also to be held in Canterbury, will then be reviewed to see if and how it can be rolled out to benefit more victims.