The harmful effects of parental alienation on a child and the extended family means there is an urgent need to criminalize this act. Parental alienation happens when a child is manipulated by one parent to reject the other. Evidence suggests that parental alienation has severe negative impacts on the child ranging from increased risk of mental illness, drug abuse, and even suicidal tendency in later life (Bernet et al., 2010, The American Journal of Family Therapy).

It's heartbreaking to witness a situation where a child is made to believe that one parent is less deserving of their love and respect, causing psychological and emotional distress. Currently, the laws around parental alienation vary and are not strongly enforced. It remains invisible in many family law circumstances, despite its far-reaching impacts.

We need to bring this issue to light. Making parental alienation a criminal offence would send a clear message that it is a form of psychological abuse, and it would deter parents from damaging their child's relationship with the other parent. Legal consequences would ensure protection for the victimized parent, but more importantly, for the child. It needs to be recognised by social services, Cafcass,  the police and the courts and better training is needed. Schools also need an awareness to best support the young people in their care and each Safeguarding lead should have training on this subject matter.

Stand with us for the cause of protecting children and mitigating family disruption caused by parental alienation. Join us as we implore the government to make parental alienation a punishable crime. Sign the petition now. Your signature equates to advancing the rights of children and promoting healthier family systems.