Legislation

Throughout this knowledge module, reference to certain provisions or sections of a piece of legislation, part of a legal judgment, or aspect of a practice does not imply that the legislation, judgment, or practice is considered in its entirety to be a good example or a promising practice.

Some of the laws cited herein may contain provisions which authorize the death penalty. In light of the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/149, 63/168, 65/206, and 67/176 calling for a moratorium on and ultimate abolition of capital punishment, the death penalty should not be included in sentencing provisions for crimes of violence against women and girls.

Other Provisions Related to Domestic Violence LawsResources for Developing Legislation on Domestic Violence
Sexual Harassment in Sport Tools for Drafting Sexual Harassment Laws and Policies
Immigration Provisions Resources for developing legislation on sex trafficking of women and girls
Child Protection Provisions Resources on Forced and Child Marriage
Other provisions related to dowry-related and domestic violence laws
Related Tools

Inadmissibility of “parental alienation syndrome”

Last edited: January 05, 2011

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Legislation should state that “parental alienation syndrome” is not admissible as evidence in hearings on child custody or visitation. “Parental alienation syndrome” describes a situation in which one parent is accused of alienating a child from the other parent.  In situations of domestic abuse, behavior that is reasonable to protect a child from abuse may be misinterpreted by a court as a self-serving attempt by one parent to turn the child against the other parent. (See What is Parental Alienation Syndrome, The Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence.