Men are jealous of the deep bond between children and their mothers, so they attempt to sabotage and sever that bond in order to hurt the women who leave them. This mother from Virginia explains how the courts enable men with this behavior.

Read by: Dr. Christine Cocchiola, author, survivor and protective mother

CAMS term coined by Shera Research Group

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Since my separation and divorce, my ex-husband has engaged in a disturbing pattern of psychological manipulation and coercive control over our children. 

He has deliberately brainwashed and coached them to reject and criticize me, a tactic known as CAMS (Child and Mother Sabotage). This emotional abuse has deeply harmed my relationship with my children and impacted their well-being. 

The forensic psychologist assigned to our custody evaluation was unprofessional and dismissive of my concerns. She reassured me that I was doing the right things and that the situation would resolve itself. 

However, despite clear evidence of coercive control, she recommended maintaining the current 50/50 arrangement, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.

Her failure to consider crucial evidence has perpetuated the psychological damage my children are suffering. 

This is a grave injustice, and I feel it’s important for others to understand the reality of this ongoing nightmare. 

Mom in Virginia

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