Parental Alienation: How Abusers are Taking Advantage
Over the last few years the term, “parental alienation” has been used more and more in the Family Court, on social media and in children’s social work. Parental alienation is a strategy whereby one parent intentionally portrays a negative, unjustified and even untruthful image of the other parent, with the aim of damaging the child’s relationship with the other parent. The child's estrangement is disproportionate to any acts or conduct attributable to the alienated parent.
Recent research shows that some abusers are taking advantage of the parental alienation argument. It is becoming increasingly more common that when mothers raise concerns about whether contact between a perpetrator of domestic abuse and a child is safe, they are accused of attempting to alienate the child from the father. They are also accused of making false allegations of domestic or child abuse. The end result is children being forced into unsafe contact with an abusive parent or even being removed from a loving parent and placed with the perpetrator of their abuse. Several women have lost all access to their children as a result of parental alienation allegations being made by their abusive former partners. The possibility of losing a child can stop a victim of domestic abuse from bringing a case before the court.
Parental alienation highlights the detrimental effects of the pro-contact culture present in the Family Courts. This sits alongside a culture of disbelief and victim blaming around domestic abuse. Combined, this results in there being considerable focus on children having contact with both parents, even if this is not in their best interest.
The government has been notified of the recent research and is investigating whether further action is needed on alienation. The judiciary has also issued new draft guidelines for consultation on handling parental alienation claims in domestic abuse cases. The guidance stresses the necessity for evidence showing that the parent in question has manipulated the child against the other parent. The fact a child has rejected the other parent is not sufficient evidence in itself. It is hoped the new guidance will make a positive difference to victims of domestic abuse, restoring their faith in the Family Court.
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse and requires assistance and advice with regards to your rights and protections, our experienced family team are here to assist. Please contact our team on 08000 147720 or send us an email at family@ramsdens.co.uk to discuss how we can help.