My heart is heavy as I write this. My wife and I have been separated for nine months, and while our marriage had its struggles, there was never any violence or abuse.  No drug abuse. No alcoholism. No cheating or running the streets. I served in the church often. My wife and two daughters got baptized at our church a few years ago. We share three wonderful children, all under the age of ten years old. I have been an active father before, during and after this separation. Over the last few months something changed in my wife and she turned. She has repeatedly refused to share our children with me, alleging that they are scared—a fear that has been instilled in them through manipulation. This is the second time I've been distanced from them. The first time I was kept away for two agonizing years. It was during Covid. It took a lot of time, talent and money to get her to court and establish a parenting plan. Now, it's been four months and counting. I have called the police for well being checks on the kids a time or two, but law enforcement hands are tied as this is considered a civil matter. I have filed forms in the court to got a hearing, but it's a slow process. The damage is being done 24/7 with her

Parental alienation is not just a personal grievance but a grave psychological form of abuse. It manipulates children, forcing them to take sides in conflicts they should never be a part of. It distorts their perception of reality and robs them of the chance to build healthy relationships with both parents. My children, who once laughed and hugged me with love, have now been led to despise me through no fault of their own. The damage is profound and lasting.

This is not just my story; it’s a reality faced by many loving parents whose children are weaponized in personal vendettas. In the state of Florida, however, there is no legal recourse for victims of this abuse as parental alienation is not recognized as a crime. This is an oversight we cannot afford to ignore.

According to the Parental Alienation Study Group, 13% of parents undergoing separation experience some level of parental alienation. Research published in the Journal of Divorce & Remarriage shows that this can have serious long-term psychological effects on children, leading to issues like depression, anxiety, and trust problems.

We must urge Florida lawmakers to take a stand for all affected families by recognizing parental alienation as a prosecutable offense. This recognition would not only serve justice but also act as a deterrent to prevent parents from using their children as legal pawns.

To achieve this, we need legislation that defines and prohibits parental alienation, offering clear guidelines and penalties for violators. Implementing educational programs for judges, attorneys, and families involved in custody disputes can also aid in identifying and combating this issue.

Please join me in calling for change. Let us protect the innocence and well-being of our children and ensure that loving parents can continue to be part of their lives. Please do not scroll past this. Sign this petition to make parental alienation a crime in Florida, offering hope and healing to families caught in these conflicts.

Daniel Graham