PAS, or Parent Alieniation Syndrome, is only now been recognised as a disorder. This occurs when parents' split up and one parent gets sole custody. Whether motivated by hurt, hatred, claims for property, money or even a way of pleasing a new partner, the custodial parent does everything in their power to stop the child or children from contact with the estranged parent.

The custodial parent will go to great lengths to stop contact including swearing under oath the other parent is not worthy of parenthood. The only people who benefit are the solicitors involved and useful family court time is wasted.

PAS is now regarded as a form of child abuse and the children and estranged parent needlessly suffer. This must be recognised and addressed by relevant authorities.

PAS Omagh representative

(Name and address supplied)