In 2012 we did a feature on grandparents threatened with arrest if they continued to send birthday cards/presents to their grandchildren.
It got enormous press coverage, it is still happening.
In the past eight years, we still are contacted by grandparents who face these threats, it is unforgivable.
Can you possibly imagine what it feels like to get a visit from the Police or to receive a summons to appear in court?
Most of us have never set foot inside a court room, and the anxiety this causes is unbearable for many, some grandparents are so frightened by it they have terrible thoughts, dark thoughts, they feel so distressed they contemplate ending their lives.
I have said before, as sadly I revisit this problem frequently, that we grew up believing that only ‘bad’ people found themselves in front of a judge, and of course justice would prevail.
I know different now.
Grandparents say they feel like criminals.
Often a Non-Molestation Order is one way you might find yourself in this position https://www.onlydads.org/information/what-is-a-non-molestation-order-2 you must abide by the order or you could face arrest.
(Of course if someone is truly harassing someone else they must face the consequences.)
Grandparents send cards and presents to their grandchildren for one reason only, and that is because they love them, to find themselves in court for showing their love is beyond my understanding.
When will the judiciary speak up, and stop this injustice?
It is the grandchildren who are also suffering, the unique relationship between grandchild and grandparent has been taken away from them.
I remember an alienated child asking
Why doesn’t the judge listen to me?
I didn’t have the answer then and I still don’t.
