A controversial documentary, “The Game About Children,” has brought to light the concerning practice of children being placed in shelters and subsequently losing contact with their fathers, often based on unsubstantiated claims of violence. This situation can lead to children growing up without a healthy relationship with both parents, causing emotional distress and diminished self-esteem.

The isolation experienced in shelters is already difficult for children, who miss their fathers and familiar social connections. The problem is compounded when children receive negative impressions of their fathers from their mothers or shelter staff, potentially based on inaccurate information.

A critical issue highlighted is the use of conversation materials in many women’s shelters that presume the father’s violence towards the child or mother as a starting point. This approach, aided by broadly defined concepts of violence, can further alienate children from their fathers.

Experts are suggesting that an independent entity, outside of the shelter system, should determine whether a child has been exposed to violence. Possible entities include the police, with their expertise in evidence assessment, regional children’s centers staffed with qualified psychologists, or forensic medical screening.

Advocates emphasize the need for rapid intervention, similar to emergency room protocols, to provide timely support for children during parental separation. Waiting periods can be particularly harmful, as children are vulnerable to manipulation from a bitter parent and their support network.

Politicians are encouraged to reduce conflict between divorced parents by promoting equality. The current system, which designates one parent as the primary caregiver with greater economic and decision-making power, can exacerbate bitterness and misunderstandings.

Specifically, there are calls to repeal § 29b of the Parental Responsibility Act, which was quietly introduced in 2023. This paragraph allows for temporary decisions to sever all contact between a child in a shelter and the other parent, unless contact is deemed beneficial for the child. This can result in children feeling compelled to hide their desire to communicate with their fathers.

Torben Haugaard, chairman of the Men’s Council, and Claes Ludvigsen, chairman of Thorvald Netværket, are among those raising concerns about these issues.