Parental Alienation (P.A.) is becoming recognized by society as a form of abuse.

Parental Alienation (P.A.) is becoming recognized by society as a form of abuse.

P.A. involves the mental manipulation of children and special-needs adults, which can result in the destruction of a long and warm relationship once shared with a parent. P.A. is a behavior typically undertaken by a parent or trusted adult(s) and is most prevalent in a divorce or separation. It deprives children and special-needs adults of their right to be loved by and show love for both of their parents and makes them feel they must choose between the people they love.
Chronological age is not the determinant in abuse, as a special-needs adult may have the mental age of a child. P.A. is emotional and mental abuse.

If more people knew about how P.A. works, and how damaging these behaviors are to children and adults, then more help would be available to these victims. Much of the public as well as many professionals are unaware of the problem and the harm it causes.

To learn more about this behavior, visit paawareness.org.

Sue Dutkovic Shumar

Johnstown