Research, Insights & Articles
Here is a collection of research papers, news articles, and other informational resources that may interest parents navigating separation and professionals in the field. Unless explicitly stated, these materials are not authored by PBB and do not represent our views but are shared to enhance understanding of the issues we address in our work.
01/25 Hague Convention under attack
The Hague Convention, designed to prevent child abductions, originally targeted non-custodial fathers removing children across borders without consent. However, data shows women now account for over 70% of such cases, often citing abuse as justification. Critics argue this violates international law, harming children by uprooting them from familiar environments. Many mothers, citing hardships or cultural preferences, take children abroad despite legal custody rulings. While abuse claims are often unsubstantiated, the Convention aims to protect children by maintaining stability in their habitual residence.
09/24 Power Dynamics & Father Engagement with Children
Non-resident fathers face significant challenges in maintaining relationships with their children, often due to dislocation caused by family courts, legal obstacles, false allegations, and ex-partners. This Australian study used in-depth interviews with 19 non-resident fathers and critical thematic analysis to explore these issues, highlighting their lack of agency and decision-making power. Participants described feeling marginalized, silenced, and disempowered, with legal and welfare systems, policing, and ex-partners acting as barriers. The findings emphasize the need for more balanced and streamlined legal processes to better support non-resident fathers and improve their ability to sustain meaningful relationships with their children.
06/24 PA behaviours could be considered murder-by-proxy
Parental alienating behaviors, where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent, can lead to severe psychological distress in the targeted parent, potentially resulting in suicide. This phenomenon, termed "proxy murder," involves the alienating parent employing such behaviors to drive the other parent toward self-harm. Studies, including one from the UK, have established a direct link between these behaviors and increased suicidality among affected parents. In Australia, data indicates that a significant portion of suicides is associated with disruptions in family relationships due to separation or divorce, underscoring the critical need for early intervention and support for those experiencing parental alienation.
06/24 Maintaining a Relationship with Children as a Non Resident Father
This study explored factors that support nonresident fathers in maintaining relationships with their children. While research often highlights barriers, this study focused on what helps. Interviews revealed fathers’ deep commitment to ongoing parenting despite the negative impacts of divorce. Key factors included self-improvement, managing change, and fostering cooperative relationships with others. Support from significant others also contributed to improved father-child relationships. Ultimately, fathers’ actions and unwavering dedication to their parenting role were critical in sustaining meaningful connections with their children, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement and support systems for nonresident fathers post-divorce.
12/22 Australia changes child abduction law to consider FDV before ruling
In December 2022, the Australian government amended its application of the Hague Convention on international child abduction to address concerns about family and domestic violence. Courts are now empowered to consider allegations of abuse when deciding whether to return a child to their country of habitual residence. Previously, the Hague Convention prioritized returning children to resolve custody disputes in the appropriate jurisdiction, often without accounting for claims of domestic violence. This change reflects advocacy from legal and community groups who argued that returning children under such circumstances could place them and their mothers at risk of harm, balancing safety with legal obligations.
08/22 Marginalisation of Separated Fathers
Becoming a non-resident father through divorce can severely impact mental health, particularly due to stress from child access and family court issues. Non-resident fathers often experience marginalisation, disempowerment, and invisibility, exacerbated by limited support from legal and welfare systems and challenging relationships with ex-partners. In-depth interviews with 19 fathers revealed themes of distress, lack of agency, and insufficient resources, leading many to seek psychological support. The findings highlight the need for greater recognition of the chronic stress and mental health struggles faced by non-resident fathers, alongside reforms to support their inclusion and well-being.
03/22 Impact of PA on Mental Health of Adults Alienated in Childhood
A study by Verhaar, Matthewson, and Bentley (2022) qualitatively examined the long-term mental health effects on adults exposed to parental alienating behaviors during childhood. Interviews with 20 international participants revealed prevalent mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, trauma reactions, emotional distress, and substance abuse. Many participants experienced confusion about their alienation experiences and reported elevated suicidal ideation. The study underscores the insidious nature of parental alienation, identifying it as a form of emotional abuse with lasting psychological consequences. It highlights the necessity for early intervention and support to mitigate these adverse outcomes.
06/20 Child Wellbeing after Separation
Most children adjust well after parental separation, but those exposed to family violence face emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. Younger children (3–11) show more social difficulties, while older teens (15–17) experience greater distress from separation. Long-term studies reveal that ongoing conflict worsens wellbeing, while many others improve. Children want a say in custody decisions, especially regarding safety, and need better access to mental health support. Overall, while separation alone does not harm most children, sustained parental conflict and violence negatively impact their development, highlighting the need for supportive legal and parenting structures.
06/20 Fathers’ Involvement with Their Children Before and After Separation
A study published in the *European Journal of Population* examined the relationship between fathers' involvement with their children before and after separation. Analyzing data from a UK longitudinal study of children born in 2000–2001, the research found that fathers who were more engaged prior to separation tended to maintain more frequent contact afterward. However, this association was modest, and even among highly involved fathers, contact with their children decreased over time. The findings suggest that while pre-separation involvement is linked to post-separation contact, other factors also significantly influence the continuity of father-child relationships following separation.
10/19 Parenting arrangements after separation
This research summary highlights key findings from a range of studies dealing with: the experiences of separated families; children's needs in the context of the family law system; and the impact of domestic and family violence on parenting.