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February 13th, 2017

F4J Valentine’s Day Poll shows that people think mums love their kids more than dads

F4J VALENTINE'S DAY POLL RESULTS

A poll for Valentine’s Day has revealed that 23% of Scots believe mothers love their children more than fathers.

The poll, by Progressive Partnership in partnership with YouGov, was released as part of the “Forgotten Fathers” initiative from Fathers4Justice (F4J) which aims to highlight the increase suicide risk amongst separated dads in Scotland.

The campaign aims to break the wall of silence surrounding the suicides of separated fathers in Scotland which F4J says they are increasingly dealing with, including cases like that of Lee McGregor (ADD LINK), a separated dad and 31-year-old oil worker from Aberdeen who took his own life last year after losing contact with his children.

Other key findings in the research published today include:

* 77% of people believe that mothers and fathers love their children equally

23% of people believe that mothers love their children more, but only 1% believe fathers love their children more.

20% of men believe that women love their children more, whilst only 1% believe that men love their children more.

25% of women believe that women love their children more, and less than 1% of women believe men love their children more.

Younger people (18-24) are the age group most likely to think that mothers and fathers love their children equally (81%)

35% of separated / divorced people believe that women love their children more.

Matt O’Connor, founder of F4J said: “9 men die every week die from suicide in Scotland and 71 per cent of all suicides are men. Not only is suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 across the UK, but dads are 3 times more likely to die after separation than mothers.”

“Whilst it is encouraging that 77% of Scots believe that parents love their children equally, we want that number to be 100%. Men must become more comfortable talking about their feelings about their children and push to play an active part in their lives following a break-up. Too often, fathers become forgotten in these circumstances, leading to an increased risk of alcoholism, depression and, sadly, suicide.”

“We believe the court system currently disproportionately favours the mother after a break-up and we want to see parental access considered on a more equal basis. It is not right for anyone to use children as an emotional pawn or gambling chip.”

About the poll

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Progressive Partnership Ltd. Total sample size was 1,010 adults.

Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th and 9th February 2017. The survey was carried out online.

The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).

This spreadsheet contains survey data collected and analysed by Progressive Partnership Ltd in partnership with YouGov plc.

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