Whether it is warranted or not, the perception in the United States is that the family courts automatically favor the mother in child custody cases. From this perception has risen fathers' rights groups, which contend that fathers are just as willing and able to parent as their female counterparts.
As a Movement
Some consider the fathers' rights movement as a social movement, but many advocates content that it's a civil rights movement, according to the National Fathers Resource Center, as they believe the system discriminates against fathers as a result of gender bias. They hold this view because the courts, starting sometime in the twentieth century in America, reversed course and began handing mothers custody of children in divorces and/or separations unless she was completely unfit, this according to the book "Childhood Denied."
Purpose
Fathers' rights groups typically offer support and education for fathers who are trying to "win" the right in court to be at least an equal part of their children's lives. There is still a perception, true or untrue, that the courts still favor the mothers in divorce cases. It is the goal of fathers' rights groups to give fathers the resources they need to get the custody they feel they deserve as equal parents. Many local fathers' rights groups create activities for fathers and children to take part in to spend quality time together.
Types
Fathers' rights groups vary in size, scope and purpose, from small, local groups to national groups. Some lobby Congress in Washington, D.C., while others specifically lobby state and local governments for alimony reform, child support reform and custody rights. Others focus on abuse, either falsely accused fathers or abused fathers, or non-custodial parent's rights, and some offer representation, resources and education for fathers who are fighting for custody rights.
Controversy
RADAR (Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting) is a group that purports to lobby against "suppressed truths" about domestic violence, such as false allegations and violence against men by women. They claim to be responsible for a rollback of domestic violence legislation, which is not seen as a positive step forward. This includes the Violence Against Women Act.
Considerations
In states, such as Michigan, fathers' rights groups have been successful in lobbying for legislation that orders joint custody automatically in custody conflicts. Detractors, however, argue that this type of legislation is dangerous to mothers and children who are trying to escape abuse and can be detrimental to children who end up in the middle with uncooperative, warring parents.
It's also worth noting that the courts are compelled to act in what's termed as the "best interests" of the child. This in itself makes parent's rights--fathers' rights included--secondary.
