In international relationships, culture plays an important role. At the beginning the other culture is often been considered as a gain. But in situations of dispute and splitting up, the other culture becomes a threat and therefore all elements of the other culture are strongly rejected. Living in the other country becomes increasingly unbearable. Also the influence of the other culture on the child is more and more perceived as a threat, leading to the wish to retain the child from this cultural influence.

The two cases used during this e-Learning course illustrate two exemplary stories:

Katherina and Miguel

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Julia and Collin

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After having finished the exercise on culture, please comment on the two questions:

Are abducting parents selfish?

In how far does your cultural imprint affect communication with professionals in other countries related to cross-border child abduction cases?

GO TO FIRST QUESTION