Petition · Ministry of Justice

Make parental alienation a criminal offence

Closed 339 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to make Parental Alienation a criminal offence. We believe deliberately turning a child against a loving parent is emotional abuse. The law should make it an offence, train professionals to identify it, and hold offenders accountable to protect children’s rights.
It was reported that parental alienating behaviours affect around 59% of separated families in the UK, and can be linked to child anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma. Many children grow up without a loving bond to one parent. We feel it remains unrecognised in law. Making it a criminal offence could protect children’s mental health, hold abusers accountable, and preserve the right of every child to love and be loved by both parents.

Timeline

10 Dec 2025 Petition opened for signatures
10 Jun 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 339
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 10 Dec 2025
Closed 10 Jun 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 5 Aug 2026.