Joshua Mello: Stop abandoning children in the name of “jurisdiction.”

Every day across America, parents and children are torn apart — not by choice, but by manipulation, coercion, and the indifference of systems that refuse to act. Parental alienation is neglect and abuse. It destroys the bond between a child and a loving parent, leaving deep emotional scars that last a lifetime. Custodial interference is a crime in nearly every state — yet it is rarely enforced by law enforcement or recognized by the courts. Instead, victims are told it’s a “civil matter,” leaving families trapped in limbo and children without protection.

The message behind this photo is simple: Stop treating criminal acts like family squabbles. Stop excusing abuse when it happens through custody. Stop abandoning children in the name of “jurisdiction.” This is not about revenge or winning custody — it’s about justice, accountability, and the right of every child to love and be loved without fear, manipulation, or state neglect. Until that happens, parents will keep standing up — on overpasses, in courthouses, and across this nation — demanding change.