En(gender)ed - An Interview with Teri Yuan

Trigger warning/Content Warning:  This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, and violence against children.  Please be aware before listening or reading further.  Thank you.

This week Beth and Kelly continue to explore the theme of when fake news happens to you... and we talk with Teri Yuan, from the En(gender)ed podcast about a syndrome called PAS or "Parental Alienation Syndrome". 

​PAS is a form of personal disinformation used against domestic violence victims and survivors in the court system when they are seeking custody against a spouse or partner who was abusive to the adult and/or children.  Unfortunately, it is clear that PAS is extremely dangerous, as many victims end up losing custody of their children to the abuser, and in some cases this has been deadly.  
We review two articles, one in the Washington Post, and one in the New York Times, about recent cases  in which the mother claimed abuse from the father of the child, and asked for protective measures to be taken.  The father claimed PAS, and the courts did not act on the requests of the mothers for protection.  In both cases the children were tragically murdered by their father while in his care.
One of the examples happened right in the same county where Teri is currently fighting for custody of her own child. 

Teri also discusses the now myth that mothers always get custody, which hasn't been true since the 1970's when family courts started deciding custody based on the best parental situation for the child, not just automatically giving custody to mothers.

PAS has become dangerous, just as fake news has, due to disinformation.  There is a new study out by Jane Meier that shows the correlation between women who claim abuse in the family court system, and the rate at which they lose custody.  This is the gendered trap that abused women face.  And the only way to fight it is with the correct information. 

Take a listen to find out more about Teri's story, her podcast, and how you can help fight disinformation about PAS.
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Teri's Jams of the Week: What About Us - Pink and Pleasure Activism - by Adrienne Maree Brown

An empowering song for when you need inspiration and something to dance with.

..How do we make social justice the most pleasurable human experience? How can we awaken within ourselves desires that make it impossible to settle for anything less than a fulfilling life? Editor Adrienne Maree Brown finds the answer in something she calls "Pleasure Activism," a politics of healing and happiness that explodes the dour myth that changing the world is just another form of work...

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Beth's Jam of the Week: Stars by The xx

A purely guilty pleasure song for when you need a hypnotic melody to lose yourself for a few minutes.  

Kelly's Jam of the Week: Becoming by Michelle Obama

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments...

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Sources Cited: 
Disinformation
​Misinformation
En(gender)ed Website
En(gender)ed Episode 9 with Jane Meier
En(gender)ed Instagram
THE PARENTING OF MEN WHO BATTER
Parental Alienation Syndrome
She Went to Court to Save Her 3-Year-Old Daughter. Days Later, the Child Was Dead.
Parental Alienation Syndrome: What Is It, and Who Does It?
How Parental Alienation Syndrome Is Changing Custody Cases Across The U.S.
Richard Gardner, 72, Dies; Cast Doubt on Abuse Claims
‘A gendered trap’: When mothers allege child abuse by fathers, the mothers often lose custody, study shows
WHO considers adding 'parental alienation' to new diagnostic guide
The Hidden Danger For Mothers And Children In Family Court
US Divorce Child Murder Data
A Passel of Poppycock: Expert Witness Roles and Limitations
J.F. v. D.F., Court Discusses Parental Alienation and Changes In Primary Residence and/or Time Sharing
Paul J Fink on PAS

Powerful Voices and Powerful Data Bring Real Progress.pdf
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