Whether parental alienation is considered abuse depends on several factors. You need to consider the child’s age, the length of time the parent is using the behavior, the child’s relationship with the parent, and other issues. In addition, you need to know the causes and signs of coercive control from an expert parental alienation lawyer.
Causes
Often times, parents find themselves in a high-conflict situation with their children. This can be a painful time for both parents and the child. In order to stabilize the family, many parents seek legal support. They may also take a more extreme approach and attempt to alienate the other parent. The consequences can be severe.
One way to combat parental alienation is to have a court order a formal visitation schedule. However, parents in this scenario are not likely to obey the court’s orders. Instead, they give the other parent all kinds of strings attached.
This can lead to chronic litigation. It can also harm the child. The child may be encouraged to lie about the other parent or be discouraged from talking to the other parent. In addition, they may be encouraged to spy on the other parent.
Other possible causes of parental alienation are personality disorders or unresolved issues from childhood. In these cases, the child may feel that their relationship with the other parent is a threat to their identity. The alienating parent may have a personal agenda or may not have the ability to relate to their child’s feelings.
The best defense against parental alienation is to talk to your child at a developmental level. This can include keeping a journal of your child’s activities. If you feel that your child is showing signs of PAS, then you should speak to a professional therapist.
Parental alienation can be a very difficult problem to deal with. A therapist can help you to identify the symptoms, and work with you to develop a plan of action to overcome the negative effects.
Having a better understanding of PAS will empower you to help your child. It is important to keep in mind that your child has suffered the social trauma of being disenfranchised by a parent. This can have an adverse effect on your child’s capacity for empathy and mood regulation.
The social science field should focus on the nature of parental alienation, the injustices it imposes, and the ways in which society enables this behavior to occur. In order to do this, the field needs to create a social discourse around parental alienation. This can help to establish a common consensus that alienation is abuse.
Signs of abuse
During a divorce, a child may suffer from parental alienation. This is an insidious type of abuse that destroys the bond between parent and child. It can be treated early on.
The alienating parent fabricates false abuse allegations and uses toxic communication to manipulate children. This creates a distorted sense of reality for children. It also devalues the Targeted Parent in their minds.
The alienator also attempts to monitor the child’s relationship with the other parent. This can be especially dangerous for the targeted parent, who does not have much opportunity to defend themselves against allegations. The accusations are often mild and distort the child’s perception of the alienated parent.
The alienator also makes false accusations of illness to get custody of the children. In some cases, these accusations are severe, and the child may refuse to see the other parent.
The alienating parent’s behavior is so manipulative that it affects all future relationships. If the child is not protected by the targeted parent, they will not feel safe or trust others.
In addition, the alienator may be uncooperative with evaluators. The therapist should conduct a thorough inquiry into the case to determine whether the dangers are real. The alienating parent may refuse to answer phone calls or not forward messages.
It is important to keep a log of all the inappropriate behavior that the alienating parent does. This will help to remind the parent of what they have done. A log can also be presented to a therapist for verification.
In addition, the alienator will use the children as a bargaining chip to obtain the other parent’s attention. This is often done by lying about events from the past.
The child will often parrot adult descriptions of the rejected parent. The child will also be resentful during time spent with the alienating parent. This phase is called the “I hate mom/dad” phase.
The targeted parent has to live with fear and constant anxiety. This is especially true in hostile separations. The child may become brainwashed or suffer from depression and aggression.
When a child is suffering from parental alienation, the best solution is to get professional help. This can include a parenting coordinator, who only works with the alienating parent. The alienating parent should not give up their rights but should work with a parenting coordinator to improve their communication.
Signs of coercive control
Identifying coercive control is not easy. The symptoms of this form of abuse vary from subtle to severe. The effects may be felt in the physical, mental, and social lives of the victim.
The most obvious symptom of coercive control is the use of manipulation to influence a person’s behavior. This isn’t limited to verbal tactics but can also include threats and intimidation.
Another symptom of this type of abuse is the creation of a false world of confusion and fear. This can result in children feeling powerless and hopeless. A false sense of security can make it easier for the abuser to manipulate the victim.
A good way to tell if you are being controlled is to consider the source. This could be physical contact, a verbal threat, or constant questioning of your personal life.
Other signs of coercive control can include frequent criticism of the other person and a joint bank account. A partner who uses these techniques may be more interested in controlling you than in a true relationship.
This doesn’t mean that you should ignore or dismiss your coercive partner. If you feel that you are being manipulated, you may need help from professionals. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers confidential assistance to people in need.
The most important thing to remember is that you cannot expect reciprocity from your abuser. It is best to look for the signs of coercive control and make a plan to deal with the problem.
The most effective response to this type of abuse is to take steps to protect your child. In some cases, the victim’s parent may decide not to become enmeshed in the alienating parent’s pathology. In other cases, the parent may choose not to react in an inappropriate way. In any case, early intervention is key.
Coercive control can be a surprisingly tricky subject to identify, but it is worth the effort. As with all types of abuse, there are warning signs that you should be on the lookout for.
There is no one size fits all solution to parental alienation. The best approach is to provide ongoing support to both the victim and the targeted parent.
Effects on Children
During parental alienation, a child may suffer from a variety of negative outcomes, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. These effects can be extremely damaging, especially in the long run.
The American Psychiatric Association recognizes parental alienation as a form of severe child abuse. It is a process in which a child exhibits irrational feelings towards a parent.
This type of relationship has been shown to cause a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and psychosomatic disorders. It can also make it more difficult for a child to trust others and develop age-appropriate independence.
Children who are affected by parental alienation often complain about the targeted parent’s eating habits, appearance, and other characteristics. They may have trouble trusting and relying on their peers, and they have a tendency to denigrate their extended family. They might even be prone to post-traumatic stress disorder. They have difficulty owning up to their mistakes and feel guilty when they do.
They may be unable to handle anger and other negative emotions. Some children can resist the pressure, but others are unable to do so.
Parents with this type of behavior report higher rates of narcissistic and paranoid traits, as well as substance abuse. They also report difficulties coping with the loss of their children.
Although this type of relationship can be harmful to a child, it is possible for the relationship to be restored. It requires a commitment from both parents, and a willingness to listen to and understand the child. If the parents have trouble understanding each other, a professional can help the family work through the issues.
The public is largely unaware of the harmful effects of parental alienation. It is important to diagnose the condition properly and get treatment. It is also important to be patient with the child and treat it with respect.
If you believe your child has experienced parental alienation, it is important to talk to a mental health professional. They can offer you and your child a variety of tools to address the problem. The best way to do this is to listen without judgment and respond with empathy.
