False Allegations of Parental Alienation: How Abusers Use It to Maintain Control

Learn about how abusers use parental alienation allegations to deflect from their abusive behaviour and maintain their power. Explore how accusations of parental alienation can be weaponized against the healthy parent to continue coercive control or abuse, often leaving the targeted parent in a difficult legal and emotional battle.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

Listen to This Episode If You: 

🌟 Are facing false parental alienation claims in your divorce or custody case.
❓ Feel like your ex is using alienation accusations as a tactic to continue coercive control.
💡 Want to understand how to identify when alienation accusations are used to deflect from abusive behaviour.
🛡 Are navigating a high-conflict separation and need tools to protect your relationship with your children.
📚 Need strategies to counter false accusations and focus on the best interests of your kids.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

1. The Abuse Behind Parental Alienation Allegations
• How abusers use alienation claims to deflect attention from their coercive control or abusive tactics.
• The psychological and emotional impact on the healthy parent when accused of alienation.
2. Understanding Coercive Control in Divorce and Custody Cases
• How coercive control continues even after separation through alienation accusations and using DARVO tactics.
• The power dynamics at play when one parent tries to isolate or manipulate the children from the safe or preferred parent.
3. False Claims of Parental Alienation
• Why abusive partners may accuse the other parent of alienation to keep them under control.
• How these accusations undermine the healthy parent’s credibility and alienate them from their children.
4. Protecting Yourself and Your Children
• How to document and respond to alienation accusations in a way that protects your relationship with your children.
• The importance of seeking legal support to defend against false alienation claims and protect your rights as a parent.
5. The Impact of Alienation on Children
• How false parental alienation tactics affects children’s well-being and their relationship with the targeted parent.
• Strategies for ensuring your children have a healthy relationship safe parents.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Free Resources:

• Parental Alienation Resource

• Word Salad Checklist

• Mediation Checklist

• Before You Go Checklist

• Recordings show psychologist's harmful conduct against family | ABC News https://youtu.be/WdyCOQtVPuk?si=kX4LaPR5eN5vxfaJ

• Re Andrew [1996] FamCA 43; (1996) FLC 92-692 http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FamCA/1996/43.html

Recommended Episodes:

• Mind Over Manipulation: The Grey Rock Technique

• How to Read a Legal Letter Like a Lawyer

• Navigating Post-Separation Abuse - https://youtu.be/SUKUR65ARfs?si=YMbQLnCPQexRr3wv

• Court Conveyor Belt: What to Expect

• Navigating Trash Talking in Divorce: https://youtu.be/7FuiLHYXX2U?si=uD94wdFSHb6OucLm

• DARVO 8 Ways to Protect yourself During Divorce - https://youtu.be/pRMOfozwBKs?si=g-ODhmqLOKw3EqfR

• Why your Narc ex may want a parenting coordinator https://youtu.be/ZoOwuYb6sdk?si=gKUN3x_rTv4fTeSL

Emergency Contacts:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE: Call 1800 811 811

• LEGAL AID: Visit Legal Aid

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and counseling.

• Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 for confidential support for men.

• Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 for young people needing help.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732

• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123

Final Thoughts:

Parental alienation accusations are often used as a manipulative tactic by abusers to continue their coercive control after separation. Understanding the dynamics of false alienation tactics and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your relationship with your children and protect yourself in court.  Stay focused on what’s best for your kids and make sure you have the legal support and strategies in place to counter false claims.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general legal education and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

Emergency Contacts:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE: Call 1800 811 811

• LEGAL AID: Visit Legal Aid

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and counseling.

• Mensline Australia: Call 1300 789 978 for confidential support for men.

• Kids Help Line: Call 1800 551 800 for young people needing help.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800 RESPECT): Call 1800 737 732

• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800 019 123