Family law: Parental alienation is a type of abuse
On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Jul, 01, 2020 | Family Law
There is nothing worse for children than when they hear one parent putting their other parent down. Family law in British Columbia always looks to what is in the best interests of children and parental alienation is not. One family court judge recommends a three-pronged approach to prevent such alienation.
Parental alienation is a form of child abuse and should be thwarted before it damages children. This form of abuse occurs when one parent does something or says something to cause a child to reject the other parent. The first step to prevention is realizing it is happening and for the alienated parent to seek professional help. This particular judge suggests three areas of intervention to prevent or stop alienation: relationship education, public consciousness-raising and professional education.
This judge believes the public must become more aware that this type of abuse exists. He also says family therapists need to be more educated on the issue as well and education should be ongoing. Lastly, even when parents are separated or divorced, they need to be educated on how alienation hurts their children the most and strive to manage their emotions about each other in a positive way.
British Columbia parents who feel they’re on the receiving end of parental alienation might wish to speak to a family law lawyer about his or her options. Being rejected by one’s child because of the words or actions of a former spouse can be heart-wrenching. A lawyer may be able to provide guidance and advice in these types of situations.