The concept of "parental alienation" has been increasingly utilized as a counterclaim by parents in family court custody disputes involving allegations of domestic violence (DV) or child abuse (CA). Research has shown a troubling pattern: when mothers allege DV/ CA by fathers and fathers counterclaim parental alienation by mothers, courts are more likely to reject mothers' abuse allegations and even reverse custody, granting it to the accused parent.
This dynamic is especially alarming as it is critical in child custody cases that parents are encouraged to share safety concerns for themselves and their children so that family courts, in considering all the information, can render custody orders that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
In recognition of Family Court Awareness Month, the National Center to Advance Peace, in collaboration with The National Family Violence Law Center, release a primer on parental alienation (PA) for advocates working with survivor parents including advocacy strategies to potentially prevent and address PA claims and support parents in child custody cases.