FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Parental Alienation?
Parental Alienation occurs when one parent manipulates a child to reject, fear, or avoid the other parent without valid reason.
Over time, the child’s perception becomes distorted, leading to emotional estrangement and lasting psychological harm.
Common Signs Include:
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A child showing sudden hostility toward one parent.
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Repeating adult language or false accusations.
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Being made to “choose sides.”
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Unjustified refusal of contact or affection.
Parental alienation is not a family dispute, it’s emotional abuse.
Is parental alienation a form of abuse?
Yes.
It is widely recognized by mental health professionals as a form of emotional abuse. It manipulates a child’s sense of reality, damages their self-esteem, and deprives them of a healthy relationship with one of their parents.
How can I tell if my child is being alienated from me?
Common warning signs include:
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Sudden hostility or withdrawal from your child.
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Your child repeating adult-like accusations or phrases.
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A refusal to visit or communicate without valid cause.
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The other parent controlling or interfering with contact.
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You feeling constantly undermined or excluded from decisions.
If you recognize these signs, seek professional guidance as early as possible.
Can children recover from parental alienation?
Yes, recovery is possible but it often requires time, patience, and professional support.
Therapeutic intervention, combined with a consistent show of unconditional love from the alienated parent, can help rebuild trust and restore the relationship.
What should I do if I suspect alienation is happening?
Stay calm and document everything. Keep detailed records of messages, interactions, and visitation changes
Avoid bad-mouthing the other parent. Stay focused on your child’s wellbeing.
Seek professional help. A family therapist or child psychologist experienced in alienation can help.
Consider legal advice. A family lawyer can guide you through possible remedies.
Does the legal system recognise parental alienation?
Recognition varies by country and court. Some judges acknowledge parental alienation as harmful to the child, while others may view it as a high-conflict custody issue.
Advocacy and education are key to ensuring that courts take this issue seriously — which is part of PAPA’s mission.
Can fathers and mothers both be victims of parental alienation?
Absolutely.
While the dynamics may differ, both mothers and fathers can be targeted.
The real victims are always the children who lose a meaningful relationship with a loving parent.
Brief