Research
Parental alienation, domestic violence and child abuse: what the research says
Studies, reports and laws on parental alienation, domestic violence, child abuse and custody. Every page cites its source. Mothers and fathers both report abuse, and this research matters to both.
- Research · Parental alienationWhat happens to custody when a parent reports abuse?A federally funded study of more than 2,000 court opinions looked at what happens when one parent alleges abuse and the other claims parental alienation.
- Research · United NationsThe United Nations on custody, violence and “parental alienation”In 2023 the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls reported to the Human Rights Council on how family courts handle abuse allegations.
- Research · World Health OrganizationThe World Health Organization and “parental alienation”The WHO maintains the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), used worldwide to classify health conditions.
- Research · Custody evaluatorsHow custody evaluators’ beliefs shape their recommendationsA National Institute of Justice study surveyed custody evaluators, judges and attorneys about domestic violence allegations.
- Research · Domestic violenceHow many children are exposed to domestic violence?The National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice and the CDC, surveyed a nationally representative sample of children.
- Research · Child traumaHow domestic violence affects childrenThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress, publishes guidance on how intimate partner violence affects children.
- Research · Child abuseChild abuse and neglect in the United StatesEach year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes national data on child abuse and neglect reported to state child protective services.
- Research · Child safetyChildren killed during divorce, separation and custody disputesThe Center for Judicial Excellence, a nonprofit, tracks cases in which children were killed by a parent during divorce, separation or a custody dispute.
- Law · FederalKayden’s LawThe Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act, known as Kayden’s Law, became federal law in March 2022 as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.
- Law · New York StateNew York bills on child safety in custody casesBills introduced in the New York State Legislature in 2025 address child safety in custody decisions and domestic violence training for judges.