Log In

Reset Password

Raising awareness of the impact on children when parents split or get hostile

Bermuda will recognise Friday as Parental Alienation Awareness Day and join countries around the world in addressing the adverse effects children suffer following a split between a mother and father.

ChildWatch, a children's advocacy group, originally called for the day to be recognised last year, which resulted in Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler, proclaiming April 25 as Parental Alienation Awareness Day.

The Canadian-based Parental Alienation Awareness Organisation (PAAO) started the movement and according to US media reports, it had campaigns in nine US states to get recognition for the day, plus in Bermuda.

The PAAO, on its website, says it's committed to "raising awareness of parental alienation and hostile aggressive parenting."

Sarvy Emo, president of PAAO, said parental alienation is a form of child abuse that involves the persuasion and manipulation of children both overtly and with subtle behaviours.

It also can result in the destruction of a loving relationship they once had with a parent, she believes.

"The child can suffer 'collateral damage," she warned, "through simple exposure to the conflict or if used as a weapon against the other parent.

"Parental alienation is a case of rage over reason and inevitably scars all involved — the children, the 'target', spouse, and the perpetrator.

"For the child, the damage can last well into adulthood, a lifetime in some cases, and cause tragic consequences.

"Most people do not know about parental alienation until they experience it directly or through family."

Ms. Emo outlined what Parental Alienation Awareness Day was designed to achieve: "... to educate the public about the devastating effects of these behaviours on children.

"This is for the benefit of both the children who may suffer parental alienation and the adults whom these children depend on for emotional stability."

Friday will be the third time the day is marked and the second time in Bermuda.

Minister Butler will make the proclamation on the steps of City Hall at 12.30 p.m., said ChildWatch co-founder Edward Tavares.

He remarked: "I am proud to be part of the PAAO, as a member working together with them to bring awareness as well as an end to this form of child abuse."

Mr. Tavares, who is also a father continued: "Personally, I have seen and witnessed this destructive and very damaging effect on many families and their children, for 17-plus years.

"Also, I recognise the need to bring about this awareness in order to make changes for the betterment of our children."

Last month ChildWatch provided Bermuda's Family Law Reform Committee with various proposals, aimed at equality and fairness for the good of children.

"I thank Sarvy and everyone at PAAO," he added, "for their hard work and for taking up this much needed task in bringing to the forefront, this awareness and I commend them for it."

For information on ChildWatch, log onto www.childwatch.bm or phone 292-3529 or email etavares23@yahoo.com. Visit www.PAAwareness.org to reach the PAAO.