Parental alienation is a complex issue that affects many international fathers who are separated from their children before or after divorce. In each case, the right of a father is often seriously violated and ignored. These fathers face significant challenges in maintaining relationships with their children, navigating complicated legal systems, and overcoming cultural barriers. With limited resources and support, they often feel powerless to address their situation and seek justice for themselves and their children.
Where would they go, if no one can help them? In fact, we discovered many such international alienation cases on a platform called Change.org.
Change.org offers an accessible platform for these fathers to raise awareness about their plight and gather support from the public. By creating a petition, they can share their stories, express their concerns, and call on relevant authorities or organizations to take action. The signatures they collect serve as a testament to the public’s concern about the issue and can help draw attention to the problem. As the number of signatures increases, it also increases the likelihood of the petition receiving coverage from local or even international news outlets. This added publicity can, in turn, place additional pressure on the targeted decision-makers to address the problem and potentially bring about meaningful change.
A Father’s Right Petitioned on Change.org
For example, Frenchman Michael Pellegrino’s petition, which has already garnered 1,249 signatures, is aiming for 1,500 signatures to increase the chances of getting noticed by local news. By reaching this milestone, the hope is that media coverage will amplify the voices of alienated fathers like Michael, making it harder for authorities to ignore their struggles. Furthermore, such publicity could inspire more people to support the cause, sign the petition, and join the movement to address parental alienation and help reunite families.
Michael Pellegrino’s story follows the struggles of the man who met his wife in Taiwan and had a child together. Although their relationship was not very warm, they married and the man worked hard in France to support his family. His wife’s family, however, was very traditional and overbearing, making it difficult for the man to bond with his son. Despite moving to France briefly, the wife wanted to stay with her family in Taiwan and became distant towards the husband. Eventually, she joined a sect called “Wooman Power” and became even more distant, leaving the man feeling abandoned and heartbroken.
The husband moved back to France to work and prepare for their marriage recognition. However, since then, his wife barely contacted him, depriving him of any news or photos of his son. In desperation, he reached out to numerous NGOs, ministries, and organizations for help but is still awaiting assistance. Despite everything, the man still loves his wife and son and vows to never give up. He remains hopeful, determined to fight for his son, and to let him know he was never abandoned.
Publicity can be a powerful tool to protect a father’s right
The strategy of Michael Pellegrino and many other fathers is right. Publicity can be a powerful tool for divorced fathers who feel they are not receiving fair treatment from the family court system and are desperate to see their alienated children. Here are several reasons why publicity can be beneficial in such cases:
Raising awareness:
Publicizing the issue helps educate people about the struggles divorced fathers face in the family court system and parental alienation. The people need to know how the right of a father is being deprived. Increased awareness can lead to a better understanding of the problem and inspire empathy and support from the public.
Building support:
Sharing personal stories can help garner support from people who may have faced similar challenges or sympathize with the situation. A strong support network can offer emotional, practical, and financial assistance during difficult times.
Encouraging legal reform:
Publicity can bring attention to the inadequacies in the family court system and highlight the need for reform to ensure the right of a father. By reaching lawmakers and policymakers, publicity can help push for changes in laws and policies that address parental alienation and ensure fair treatment for divorced fathers.
Holding institutions accountable:
Publicity can put pressure on family courts and other institutions to review their practices and act more fairly in handling cases involving divorced fathers and parental alienation. This increased scrutiny may lead to improvements in the system and a more equitable approach.
Connecting with resources:
Publicity can help divorced fathers find resources, such as legal assistance, support groups, and advocacy organizations, that can offer guidance and support in their fight for their rights and their children.
Empowering others:
Sharing personal stories can inspire and empower other divorced fathers who may be experiencing similar challenges. Publicity can show them that they are not alone and encourage them to seek help and take action.
Creating a sense of hope:
Publicity can help divorced fathers maintain hope and stay motivated in their efforts to reconnect with their alienated children. Seeing the support from others and knowing that their story is being heard can be a powerful motivator.
While publicity is not a guaranteed solution, it can be an effective way to bring attention to the issue, rally support, and push for change, potentially improving the situation for divorced fathers facing parental alienation and unfair treatment in the family court system.
Other strategies to get public attention for a father
While Change.org is a useful platform for raising awareness about parental alienation, there are other methods that divorced fathers can use to publicize their struggles and seek support. Some alternative approaches include:
Social media:
Utilize various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to share your story and connect with others facing similar challenges. The good side is its wide reach and easy sharing of information. It might have privacy concerns when sharing personal information, especially when your ex-wife or her friends might try to quell the message before it becomes widespread.
Blogs and personal websites:
Create a blog or a personal website to document your journey and share your experiences in detail. This can serve as a platform to provide updates, share resources, and connect with others going through similar violation of the right of a father. Once the article is on, it can stay there for a long time.
Public speaking and events:
Participate in public events, conferences, and panel discussions to share your story and raise awareness about parental alienation. Engaging with an audience in person can be a powerful way to convey your message and garner support. The fact that you are successfully on that stage means that you’ve got endorsement.
Engage with lawmakers and policymakers:
Contact your local representatives, senators, or other relevant policymakers to discuss your situation and advocate for legal reform or policies that address parental alienation. This can help bring about systemic change and create a more supportive environment for alienated parents. This is not as difficult as you think because the politicians also need to use your case to get public attention as well. If you choose the right person, male or female, he/she will be the best advocate for the right of a father.