Leyfi til að elska - mar. 2023, Blaðsíða 34

10 Journal of Family Issues 00(0)
Distance
Data extracts were categorized into a theme called Distance when they
referred to physical distance separating the targeted parent from their child.
There were 110 references coded at this theme. At best, these comments
described the targeted parent needing to drive long distances to visit their
child and at worst, pointed to possible cases of child abduction.
I am currently a long distant parent with a long distant court order. I feel that
the alienation has gotten worse with the distance, such as not being able to
participate, phone calls allowed only once a week or be involved in any part of
my children’s lives only during my parenting time which is holidays and 6
weeks during the summer vacation.
Child Abduction. A subset of data items alluded to scenarios which could be
considered child abduction, in which the alienating parent took the child and
failed to return them as per custody arrangements.
My ex-wife of ten years absconded 2500 km away with my son.
These narratives tell the frustrating and discouraging experience of physi-
cal distance separating the targeted parent from their child. Participants indi-
cated that these frustrations were often taken to the courts and mental health
services, but were not alleviated.
The System
Most of the targeted parents (n = 70) mentioned the “System,” and there were
a total of 130 references coded at this theme across the data. The “System”
refers to the family law court and other legal services, child support agencies,
or mental health services. The data reflected dissatisfaction with these avail-
able services. Participants indicated a sense of helplessness and hopelessness
amid a perceived broken and uncaring system. Responses relayed percep-
tions of the System as a double-edge sword: a means to stop the alienation,
but coming at a great emotional and financial cost. Five subthemes pertaining
to the System were identified.
Slow and Ineffective. Many participants expressed grievances of a system that
is slow and ineffective.
Because of the time the whole process took, my oldest son aged to adulthood.
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GLEYMDA FORELDRIÐ: FORELDRAÚTILOKUN FRÁ SJÓNARHÓLI ÚTSETTA FORELDRISINS CLARE POUSTIE O.FL.