'Swim, swim and die at the beach': family court and perpetrator induced trauma (CPIT) experiences of mothers in Brazil

Gender-based violence (GBV) and Domestic Violence (DV) are prevalent in Brazil. There are growing concerns globally regarding the weaponisation of the pseudo-concept 'Parental Alienation' (PA) in the family courts against women. Additionally, a lack of understanding of mothers' family court and health-related experiences indicated a need to explore this topic further. A qualitative study was conducted with thirteen mothers who are victims of Domestic Violence and have been accused of PA. Mothers reported a range of harmful health experiences, delineated here under the conceptual framework of Court and Perpetrator Induced Trauma (CPIT). Six themes are presented, which encapsulate a range of harmful actions, behaviours and circumstances (ABCs) that surround these mothers and their responses to these ABCs. Multiple physical health conditions were reported as associated with family court proceedings. This included maternity problems, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and respiratory conditions and a broad range of mental health implications including suicide and other trauma responses. Human rights violations, the weaponisation of 'Parental Alienation' and inherently misogynistic and oppressive justice systems in Brazil were also reported. Urgent measures and further research are now needed to investigate causal links between harm to health and the family courts and to strengthen human rights protection for women and child victims in Brazil and beyond.

Automated summary

Gender-based violence and domestic violence are prevalent in Brazil. The weaponization of the pseudo-concept of parental alienation against women in family courts is a growing concern worldwide. A qualitative study was conducted with thirteen mothers who are victims of domestic violence and have been accused of parental alienation. The study found that these mothers reported a range of harmful health experiences, including physical and mental health conditions, as a result of family court proceedings. The study also highlighted human rights violations and misogynistic justice systems in Brazil. Urgent measures and further research are needed to investigate the causal links between harm to health and the family courts and to strengthen human rights protection for women and child victims.