Learning Network Issue, no. 33, February 2021

This issue is the first in a two-part series that examines the potential misuse of parental alienation (PA) claims with intimate partner violence (IPV) cases in family court proceedings in Canada. It provides an overview of what parental alienation constitutes, how its use has evolved in the family court system, and the implications of PA claims in child custody cases involving IPV for mothers and children. We recognize that a partner (e.g. female, male, nonbinary) within any type of intimate relationship (e.g. same sex, heterosexual) can be a victim of IPV and can be accused of alienation. However, we focus on mothers harmed by father figures in both issues as they face a greater likelihood of serious injury and death from IPV and are most often accused of alienation in their efforts to protect children.

The information in this issue is based on current literature on PA claims involving IPV. Though this continues to be a growing area of research, there remains a lack of intersectional analysis on the misuse of PA in cases involving parents of different identities, such as BIPOC identities, transgendered identities, and individuals with disabilities. Future research enabling an intersectional analysis is critical to accurately capture the myriad challenges and barriers women face when navigating the family court process and to design appropriate responses to meet their needs. (From the website). Part 2 coming soon. Record #7025