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Domestic abuse and allegations of ‘parental alienation’: when pseudoscience enters the family ‘justice’ system

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All rights reserved.
Date:25 NOV 2024
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Dr Charlotte Proudman Barrister Goldsmith Chambers

The use of 'parental alienation' claims in family courts to undermine domestic abuse allegations is a persistent issue and a tactic often weaponised by abusers to retain control post-separation. Despite concerns raised by the Ministry of Justice the United Nations and numerous experts family courts in England and Wales continue to favour these allegations over allegations of abuse. The term not recognised by major psychological institutions remains a tool in courts disadvantaging mothers who are victims. Survivors fear that raising domestic abuse in court will be used against them leading to accusations of alienation and in extreme cases loss of custody. Children are forced into contact with rapist parents. This work reviews recent court cases emphasising the need for courts to evaluate allegations of abuse based on facts rather than unverified psychological assessments. Urgent reforms are needed to protect domestic abuse survivors and their children in the family justice system.

The full article has published in the November issue of Family Law.  Find out more or request a...

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