Parental Alienation: A Form of Child Abuse

Parents manipulate their children to hate the other parent. Pervasive in contested custody.

The Trauma of Parental Alienation

Parental alienation (PA) is a deeply harmful form of psychological and emotional child abuse where one parent manipulates a child into rejecting the other parent.

This form of coercion and manipulation not only damages or severs the child’s relationship with the targeted parent but also leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars.

It is recognized as a form of domestic and family violence, yet many courts and child protection systems fail to acknowledge its severity, leaving affected parents and children traumatized.

Devastating Impact of Parental Alienation

Parental alienation is not gender-specific – mothers and fathers alike can be victims or perpetrators. Yet, in Colorado, policies fail to acknowledge this crisis, influenced by misinformation from groups (villains who masquerade as victim advocates) with gender biased agendas.

Research shows that over 3.9 million children suffer from moderate to severe alienation. These children face increased risks of:

Mental health disorders and suicide

Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among alienated children.

Substance abuse and addiction

Alienated children often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional distress.

Long-term emotional and social struggles

Difficulty forming healthy relationships and coping with stress in adulthood.

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Why the System Fails to Address Parental Alienation

Despite extensive research, many legal and child welfare professionals downplay parental alienation. Colorado’s Department of Human Services (CDHS) once acknowledged its role in child endangerment but later dismissed it as a “distraction.”
This shift was driven by activists who falsely claim that parental alienation is merely a tactic used by abusive parents to gain custody.

The Truth About Parental Alienation

In 2019, CDHS conducted a child fatality review following the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy at the hands of his father. The report identified parental alienation as a significant risk factor in the boy’s death, recommending that domestic violence and parental alienation be included in the Colorado Children’s Code as definitions of abuse and neglect.

However, following pressure from domestic violence extremists, CDHS chose to dismiss the importance of parental alienation.

Parental alienation was identified as a contributing factor in a child fatality.
CDHS recommended legal changes to include it in abuse and neglect definitions.
Despite this, misinformation led to policies that ignore the issue.

The Harmful Effects of Ignoring Parental Alienation

The dismissal of parental alienation by Colorado’s lawmakers and CDHS has serious consequences. Misleading information has influenced policies that fail to protect children from emotional abuse, leaving many at risk of long-term emotional and psychological damage.

The fight against parental alienation requires accurate information and a commitment to protecting families in all custody cases.

Parental alienation is a form of child abuse and domestic violence.
It is a significant issue in contested custody battles.
Legal changes are needed to protect children from harm caused by alienation.

Resources for Those Going Through Parental Alienation

If you are going through a high-conflict divorce or custody dispute, understanding parental alienation is crucial. Educate yourself and advocate for change.