‘Parental alienation’ allegations in the context of domestic violence: impacts on mother-child relationships

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the multiple critiques that have been addressed to the concept of ‘parental alienation’ , evidence suggests an increased popularity in recent years. Abused women who seek protection can be labelled as ‘alienating’ mothers. This article investigates the impacts of ‘parental alienation’ allegations on women and children who have experienced domestic violence, focusing on the impacts on mother-child relationships. It draws upon findings from a study that involved multiple case studies conducted with women who had experienced domestic violence and who had been seen as ‘engaging in parental alienation’. For these women, the allegations of ‘parental alienation’ had had negative and sometimes dramatic impacts on the relationships with their children. First, the allegations had resulted in limited or no contact between women and their children. Second, the allegations had limited mother-child communication and had made it more complicated. Third, the allegations had limited women’s ability to protect their children. Fourth, some women reported changes in their children’s behaviours, as some children had expressed feelings of frustration and anger as a result of this situation. The fifth theme emerging from the data was a collection of strategies women used to protect and support their children despite these allegations.