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Genesis The PodcastAuthor: Genesis Women's Shelter & Support
Genesis the Podcast is a new way to connect with Genesis Womens Shelter and Support and expand your thinking about domestic violence and related issues that affect women. GTP is also a trusted source of information if you are in an abusive relationship and need safety, shelter or support. Listen every week for fresh content related to domestic violence, to connect with world-renown professionals, participate in exclusive events and training opportunities, and take action against domestic violence.Genesis The Podcast is hosted by Maria MacMullin, Chief Impact Officer of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support and the Host of the Podcast on Crimes Against Women.About Genesis Women's Shelter & Support - Located in Dallas, Texas, Genesis provides safety, shelter and support for women who have experienced domestic violence, and raises awareness regarding its cause, prevalence and impact. Learn more at GenesisShelter.org Language: en-us Genres: True Crime Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Unmasking Parental Alienation: The Weaponization of Children in Custody Battles
Sunday, 29 June, 2025
The battleground of family court has become a dangerous landscape for survivors of domestic violence and their children. When abusers wield the controversial theory of parental alienation syndrome as a weapon, protective parents often find themselves losing custody to the very people they're trying to escape.Ruth Guerreiro, Chief Clinical Officer of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, pulls back the curtain on this troubling dynamic, explaining how a scientifically disputed theory from the 1980s continues to influence family court decisions with devastating consequences. We explore how protective behaviors—teaching children to recognize danger, set boundaries, and seek help—are frequently mischaracterized as attempts to "alienate" children from an abusive parent.The stakes couldn't be higher. Research shows children exposed to domestic violence face staggering long-term risks: they're 50 times more likely to abuse substances, 74 times more likely to commit violent crimes, and six times more likely to attempt suicide. When courts fail to recognize post-separation abuse tactics—using children as informants, undermining the protective parent's authority, or manipulating children psychologically—they inadvertently become accomplices in continued trauma.But there is hope. Ms. Guerreiro shares powerful insights about effective interventions that help children heal, including attachment therapy, trauma processing, and teaching critical thinking skills about healthy relationships. She offers practical guidance for rebuilding connection and stability, from creating family traditions to implementing consistent boundaries that counter the chaos of abuse.This episode challenges us to reconsider how we protect our most vulnerable citizens, advocating for family courts that prioritize children's safety above all else. Whether you're a survivor navigating custody issues, a professional working in family services, or simply concerned about child welfare, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of these complex dynamics and the tools needed to make a difference.