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Nathan Sterling Initiative

Parental Alienation is child abuse

Testimonial

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Anon

Reviewed by Nathan Sterling Initiative

  • 11:03 am
  • November 9, 2025
  • November 9, 2025
  • 11:03 am

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PARENTAL ALIENATION

In early June, during a scheduled weekend visit, my former partner took full custody of our children without my consent, in direct breach of a prohibited steps order. Our marriage, which lasted ten years, involved a long history of domestic abuse. Over the years, I have obtained three non-molestation orders against him (between 2021 and 2023) before our eventual divorce. He has a criminal record, including multiple imprisonments for drug-related offences. Despite this, he unilaterally changed the children’s schools without my permission. After fourteen weeks of ongoing legal proceedings, I was finally granted limited contact, just one hour per week at a supervised contact centre. He has influenced the children against me, using my personal past and perceived lack of religious commitment to damage my relationship with them. My older two children, from a previous marriage, live with me and have not seen their younger siblings since early June. I am urgently appealing to the court for sibling contact, but my requests have not been heard. The emotional toll of this situation is overwhelming, and I am struggling to cope with being separated from my children.

THE IMPACT OF THE FAMILY COURT SYSTEM ON MY CHILD(REN)

The court process has been very disheartening, and it feels as though social services are operating through a ‘tick-box’ approach rather than offering genuine family support. There seems to be little recognition of the children’s emotional wellbeing, particularly given that their father has been making derogatory comments about their mother, undermining her character and values. It’s deeply concerning that this emotional harm isn’t being properly acknowledged or addressed.

SOME ALIENATING BEHAVIORS I IDENTIFIED

The children’s father changed their phone numbers and blocked my contact on their devices. My nine-year-old son would occasionally reach out from a private number, often to say hurtful things like, “You drink, you have boyfriends, you go out.” Later, I managed to get hold of my son’s new number, and he began sending me old photos of myself from years ago, accompanied by messages such as, “You’re not religious,” and “You’re disgusting.” I have saved these messages and voicemails as evidence. These are the same children who, when their father failed to return them on an agreed date in early June, messaged me to say, “Mum, don’t worry, I love you both the same,” and used to call me every day until their father changed their numbers again.

EMOTIONAL & MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS I SUFFERED

I feel like I’ve completely lost who I am. I can’t seem to eat, sleep, or even take care of things the way I used to. It’s starting to take a toll on my older boys, and that breaks my heart.

WHAT EQUAL/SHARED PARENTING WOULD HAVE MEANT FOR ME

That’s all I’m asking for. Shared contact.

MY ADVICE FOR PARENTS FACING PARENTAL ALIENATION

CHANGES I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE LEGAL OR FAMILY LAW SYSTEM

Equal rights and that parental alienation is taken seriously !

Managing Anger and Frustration

Staying Resilient and Hopeful

Coping with Grief and Loss
emotional manipulation of children

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My son Nathan (27) died on 27th March 2021. My ex-wife excluded me and my family from all aspects of his funeral. She has been psychologically and emotionally abusing our son for years but I was powerless. I didn't realise until it was too late that she had embarked on a campaign of hate. Pretending to be nice to my face but undermining me behind my back. She triangulated with our two other children and they just abused Nathan. The circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious but the legal and social system aren't interested. In fact, I was told by the criminal justice system defence barrister that I risked bankruptcy and I still would not get anywhere if I continued to pursue. Every day since my son's death has been a struggle but I know he would want me to continue and use his story to make the world a better place which I intend to do. This charity is the start!

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