Parental Alienation Following the Breakdown of a Relationship

Often when parties separate the children are the main focus and priority. Sadly, whilst the children’s needs and welfare should be paramount to any discussions and agreements regarding their arrangements, this focus can easily be lost in the anger or resentment one parent feels about the reasons for the breakdown in the relationship and the other parent. Both men and women can demonstrate alienating behaviour.

This form of behaviour is now a common issue that those looking after the needs of children see when parents separate or divorce. Our report highlights that nearly one-third of the adults surveyed had been in a relationship where their partner restricted their daily activities or controlled which members of their family and friends they could have contact with. The growing interest and concern of the Court, Children’s Services and psychologists have bought this important issue to the forefront.