29/11/2025
Why We Need to Rethink “Parental Alienation” and Call It What It Is: Coercive Post-Separation Parenting Abuse (CPSPA)
🚨 What if I told you that “parental alienation” isn’t what it seems? 🚨
It’s time to change the way we talk about what’s really happening when one parent uses manipulation, control, and even legal systems to harm their ex-partner and children. What’s often called “parental alienation” is actually a form of coercive control that doesn’t stop after separation.
This behaviour, now being reframed as Coercive Post-Separation Parenting Abuse (CPSPA), is a deliberate tactic used by abusers to maintain power and control. It’s not just a “parenting conflict.” It’s abuse. And here’s why the language we use matters:
1️⃣ It’s Not About “Conflict”
The term “parental alienation” makes it sound like both parents are equally to blame. But in most cases, this isn’t true. Often, one parent is trying to protect their child from harm, while the other is using manipulative tactics to maintain control. For example, an abusive parent may accuse the protective parent of alienating the child, even when the protective parent is simply shielding them from danger. Calling this CPSPA makes it clear: this is not a fight between equals—it’s abuse.
2️⃣ Stop Blaming Protective Parents
How often do we hear stories of mothers or fathers being accused of “alienating” their child, when in reality, they’re doing everything they can to protect them? A mother who limits contact with an abusive ex-partner might be labelled as manipulative, but the truth is, she’s protecting her child’s safety. By calling this behaviour CPSPA, we can shift the blame back to where it belongs—on the abusive parent—and recognise the protective parent’s courage.
3️⃣ Listen to the Children
Too often, children’s voices are dismissed in these situations. When a child expresses fear or refuses to see an abusive parent, they’re labelled as “brainwashed” by the protective parent. This silences their experiences and forces them into harmful situations. By adopting the term CPSPA, we can ensure that children’s voices are heard and their safety becomes the priority.
4️⃣ Focus on Safeguarding, Not False Narratives
CPSPA encourages professionals—like courts and social workers—to focus on patterns of coercive control and abuse, rather than being misled by accusations of “parental alienation.” For instance, an abusive parent may repeatedly file false legal claims to drain the protective parent’s resources and force contact with the child. This is not about co-parenting. It’s about abuse.
Why CPSPA Matters
CPSPA is a better term because it tells the truth about what’s happening:
• Abusers use coercive control to maintain power.
• Children become tools in their manipulation and abuse.
• The abuse doesn’t stop after separation—it evolves.
• Both children and protective parents suffer immense harm.
It’s time to stop letting abusers hide behind the term “parental alienation.” By calling it Coercive Post-Separation Parenting Abuse, we expose the truth, protect children, and empower protective parents.
🛑 Let’s stop blaming victims. Let’s start prioritising safety. Let’s call it what it is: CPSPA. 🛑
If you’ve experienced this or know someone who has, you’re not alone. Let’s break the silence together. Tap for free parenting reset
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