The webinar is hosted by Professor of Applied Psychology at the School of Human and Social Sciences (SHSS) at the University of West London Ben Hine who leads the Evidence-Based Domestic Abuse Research Network (EBDARN) and is one of the authors of the reports. The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, family law professionals, and the public.

In December 2024, the Family Justice Counsel published ‘Guidance on responding to a child’s unexplained reluctance, resistance or refusal to spend time with a parent and allegations of alienating behaviour’. The webinar will build on this guidance, shedding light on the widespread nature and profound effects of PABs on families and mental health in the UK.

‘Examining the prevalence and impact of parental alienating behaviours in separated parents in the United Kingdom’ (pdf, 528kb) is a report funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust. It reveals that around four in ten of over 1,000 separated or divorced participants (39.2%) felt their ex-partner attempted to turn their child against them. When using standardized questionnaires focused on specific alienating behaviours this figure increased to six in ten (59.1%). It also found that those who had experienced PABs had significantly higher rates of PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

‘Examining the prevalence of childhood parental alienating behaviours (PABs) in 18–25-year-old adults in the UK’ (pdf, 980kb) is a report funded by Good Egg Safety. It explores the long-term impacts of PABs in young adults. From 1,000 participants approximately 25% reported over twenty types of alienating behaviours from both fathers and mothers during childhood. The report also identifies a concerning link between increased PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation and these behaviours.

Key recommendations from both reports include clear legal definitions of PABs and their integration into family law plus educational initiatives to teach healthy family dynamics and mental health support such as enhanced counselling services for affected families. The reports also suggest public awareness campaigns to highlight the signs and consequences of PABs and ongoing studies to track the long-term effects of PABs.

Professor Ben Hine says, 

These two reports show the urgent need for coordinated efforts across legal, educational, and mental health sectors to protect children and families from the lasting harm caused by PABs.

These findings provide clear evidence that this is not a small problem, and that these behaviours could be impacting tens of thousands of children and parents every year in the UK.”

One of the aims of the event is to facilitate a national conversation on the next steps for policy reform and community support services to address this pressing issue.

Chief Executive of Good Egg Safety CIC Janis James MBE comments,

It doesn’t matter what term we use to describe this issue – its impact is undeniable, its harm to children profound, and the urgency to act unmistakable. At its core, this is about the heartbreak of children being torn away from the love and security of a safe parent and grandparents, the very people who anchor their world. To ignore the reality of bond-breaking behaviours is to condone the devastating loss of those connections – a loss that leaves scars far beyond childhood.

This is not a political debate; it is a moral imperative. Protecting children from harm should transcend our differences, uniting us all in a shared commitment to their wellbeing. The time to act is now. The cost of inaction is simply too great.”

• Read more on the family breakdown, mental health and parental alienation research page.