Parental alienation and family court

[GCandproud]

amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/21/abused-uk-children-family-courts-parental-alienation?__twitter_impression=true

An interesting article about parental alienation syndrome. Personally, I think there are some instances where a resident parent turns the child against the other parent without objective reason but there are so many examples of where the mother has been abused and the child picks up on that (because how can you present a positive picture of someone who has abused you?) and also cases where the child has witnessed abuse and is scared of the other parent independently of the resident parent’s influence. I definitely think it’s the ‘go to’ explanation used by violent men where their former partners try to restrict contact.

Those who have worked in the domestic violence sector have seen examples of women being traumatised by their experience of the family court.

I also wish there were more research on adults whose parents went through divorce and separation. My dad was physically and mentally abusive and a narcissist. If you’d asked him, my mum was guilty of parental alienation. The truth is something entirely different. My siblings and I witnessed abuse and we made our own minds up as a result. But my dad would swear blind that he was a victim of a miscarriage of justice. He also denied the physical abuse even though we all saw it.

It’s complex but I’m glad it’s receiving more attention now.

ROBYN spot on

@R0BYN

Whether the problem lies with the idea of PA or the absolute refusal of the Family Courts to take violence seriously I don't know

It’s

1. the absolute refusal of all courts to take violence against women seriously.

1. The assumption that a women is lying until it’s proved otherwise and a man is telling the truth unless it can disproved.

1. The fact that male violence is seen as a relationship problem ( she made him do it). It’s not a problem that lies with HIM personally. So just because a man beats his wife doesn't mean he will harm his kids .

1. The fact that mens rights are more important that the lives of women and children.

Yes!

It's the same re doctors and pain, isn't it? They minimise a woman's report of pain, and maximise a man's.