Petition · Ministry of Justice

Make parental alienation a criminal offence

Closed 691 signatures

What the petition asks

We believe the government should make parental alienation a criminal offence, to deter separated parents from alienating children from the other parent. Parental alienation is where a parent manipulates their child to go against their other parent.
The reason I think this is so important, is that I have seen many children be affected by their parents behaviour towards one another. I and many others are of the view that parental alienation can have serious negative effects on a child including mental health issues, low self-esteem, difficulty forming relationships, academic struggles, behavioural problems, self destructive behaviour, uncertain identity and damaged connection with family. Despite this, it is not a criminal offence.

Timeline

5 Feb 2025 Petition opened for signatures
5 Aug 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 691
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 5 Feb 2025
Closed 5 Aug 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 3 Aug 2026.