Writing HIStories – a contribution to the study of parental alienation. : Two fathers´ experiences: Rule #1 – Mum is always right. Rule # 2 – If Mum is ever wrong, see Rule # 1.

Parental alienationis whenone parent denigrates the otherto turn their children against that parent, often after a separation or divorce. Itis well-documented but poorly understoodas a form of domesticabuse.This study explores how one Austrian and one Swedish father experience parental alienationin the wakeof false allegations of sex abuse, how theyperceivetheir emotional situationafter the separation, how their interactions with their childrenhave been affectedand what economic impact this has had on their lives. The study concentrates on white, heterosexual, agnosticmen.It is based upon in-depth interviews, and analytically framed within the parental alienation theory. The analysis identified several core themes suggesting the need for better education and training on parental alienation, and strategies to enable effective change to public policies and family law