What Really Frightens Me: How a Determined Woman Can Erase a Father

Written by Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network

I’ve seen a lot. I’ve heard even more. But there’s one thing that still truly frightens me: how easy it is for a woman—if she’s determined enough—to cut a loving father out of his child’s life. And what’s worse, she can do it using the very systems that claim to protect children.

Let’s start with the obvious: the child. When a father is pushed out, it’s not just the man who suffers. It’s the child. Children need both parents—especially when one of them is willing, capable, and desperate to be involved. But when contact is blocked, when stories are told, when a child is repeatedly told Daddy is dangerous, or doesn’t care, or “needs to be supervised,” it does something to them. It distorts their understanding of love, trust, and stability. That damage is not abstract. It’s real. And it can last a lifetime.

This is parental alienation, and despite what some loud voices in certain corners of Twitter or academia might say, it does exist. It’s not some patriarchal invention. It’s a lived reality for thousands of children—and parents—across this country.

And here’s what really chills me: how easily the system lets it happen. A woman can say the right words—“I’m scared,” “He’s controlling,” “I’m a victim”—and instantly gain the upper hand. Criminal courts, social services, CAFCASS, and the family courts all seem pre-programmed to believe her without question. Even the mere hint of a safeguarding concern can trigger months, even years, of supervised contact, or no contact at all.

And if that woman is manipulative, vindictive, or just wants revenge? The system becomes her greatest weapon.

Meanwhile, the father—who might be innocent of any wrongdoing—is left trying to prove a negative. He’s assumed guilty. He’s treated like a risk. His every move is scrutinised. And his child, the person he loves most in the world, becomes a distant figure he’s only allowed to see under strict, demeaning conditions—if at all.

I've seen men break down on the phone. I've heard the rage, the grief, the sheer powerlessness in their voices. And all because someone decided they weren't safe based on words alone. No evidence. No trial. Just allegations, assumptions, and a system that doesn’t seem interested in the truth.

What frightens me is not just that this can happen—but that it happens so often, and so quietly. Most people have no idea. The general public still believes the courts are fair and that false allegations are rare. But behind closed doors, in family courts up and down the country, this is happening every single day.

And if you dare to speak up about it—if you mention parental alienation, or bias against fathers, or that some women do lie—you’re instantly labelled a misogynist. As if simply wanting to see your child makes you dangerous.

This isn’t about taking sides. It’s about telling the truth. Some men are abusive. Some women are too. And some people, regardless of gender, lie. But right now, the scales are tipped in a way that is hurting children, destroying good fathers, and letting abusive mothers use the system to their advantage.

That’s what frightens me.

And it should frighten you too.

If you're going through this nightmare, you’re not alone. At Falsely Accused Network, we support men who are being blocked from their children, often without evidence or fairness. We’ll listen. We’ll support. And we’ll fight for your voice to be heard.

📞 Helpline: 0204 538 8788

🌐 Website: www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk

📩 Email: support@falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk