Abduction: Victim to Survivor

In today’s episode, I share my journey and the heartbreaking reality of family abduction. It’s not just a custody dispute; it’s a profound trauma that impacts everyone involved.

You’ll hear from my dear friend Gary, who spent years working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and law enforcement. He’ll shed light on the challenges faced and the resources available for those who find themselves in this painful situation.

Let’s create a safe space to discuss and understand the gravity of family abductions. You’re not alone in this.

In episode 26 of Abduction: Victim to Survivor Laura recounts her experience of being taken from her home at a young age. She describes a day that started like any other, coming home from school, only to find her father waiting in a van to take her and her brother away. 

- Immediate Confusion: Laura was just a child, and the shock of being taken by a parent she barely knew was overwhelming. 

- Feeling Unwanted: The experience was terrifying, filled with uncertainty and a sense of abandonment. Laura felt unwanted, not ju...

Family abduction devastates lives — but understanding how mediation can help prevent, resolve, or transform these high-conflict situations offers hope. If you've ever wondered whether peaceful solutions exist when a child is forcibly taken by a parent, this episode with expert mediator Shari Doherty unveils the truth about mediation's potential—and its limits. Shari, a seasoned child advocate with 20 years of experience at Child Find of America, breaks down the complex landscape of family mediation. She reveals the three fundamentally different types—evaluative, facilitative, and transformative—and explains how each can either help or hinder healing, especially when an abduction is invol...

A Mother's Day Message for all mothers, for mothers whose children were taken far too soon, for mothers with missing children, for mothers with children who are alienated from them,  for women who carry the ache of the children they longed for but never had, for mothers separated from their children, and for those whose mothers are gone or whose hearts still ache for the love of a mother they never truly had.

Today, I’m sharing a moving experience from a dear friend, Dr. John E. Bischoff, Vice President of the Missing Children Division of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, who has dedicated his life to helping families of missing children. He told a heartfelt story about his niece, who unexpectedly found herself in a race longer than she was prepared for. 

As she ran, she felt overwhelmed and questioned her ability to finish. But with encouragement and support, she pushed through every difficult mile. This isn’t just about running; it’s about life’s unexpected challenge...

Episode 23 shares the powerful true story of a baby who was abducted at six weeks old by his father and endured years of abuse before being found and reunited 22 years later. The episode traces their fight back from heartbreak, underscoring how hope, vigilance, and immediate action can save lives in parental abduction cases. It also delivers an urgent truth: the child abducted by the other parent is not inherently safe—when abuse is present, a child’s safety must be the first priority, and every moment matters.

Thank you so much for following the podcast, I hope you...

I’m excited about this episode that discusses compliant victimization. When a child is abducted by a family member, the trauma runs deep. The pain is psychological.  Today, my guest and friend is Carol Ryan, LPC, LCAC.  Carol is a licensed professional counselor and addiction counselor who has worked extensively with families affected by abduction and trauma. She sheds light on how compliance can be a survival strategy for children in these situations.  It’s crucial to recognize that this behavior stems from a place of fear and manipulation. Understanding these dynamics can foster compassion and healing.  If you or someo...

I’m excited about this episode that discusses compliant victimization. When a child is abducted by a family member, the trauma runs deep. The pain is psychological.  Today, my guest and friend, Carol Ryan, LPC, LCAC.  Carol is a licensed professional counselor and addiction counselor who has worked extensively with families affected by abduction and trauma. She sheds light on how compliance can be a survival strategy for children in these situations.  It’s crucial to recognize that this behavior stems from a place of fear and manipulation. Understanding these dynamics can foster compassion and healing.  If you or someone...

Family abduction is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects many families. In this episode Bruce Marshall, my dear friend and the agent who saved my son, joins me to shed light on the realities of parental abduction.  Bruce, with over 23 years of experience in the FBI, shares his insights into the law enforcement perspective on family abduction cases. He recalls the moment he received the call about my son, highlighting the urgency with which the FBI approached the situation. Bruce explains the meticulous planning that goes into recovering abducted children, including undercover operations and surveillance.  This story hi...

In the latest episode of "Abduction: Victim to Survivor," host Abby shares a poignant conversation with Kevin, a father whose life was irrevocably altered by family abduction. This episode sheds light on the emotional struggles faced by parents in similar situations and the importance of support networks in the journey toward healing and recovery.

Understanding Family Abduction:

Family abduction is a complex issue that impacts not only the children involved but also the searching parent. As Abby explains, this podcast aims to create awareness about the emotional and psychological turmoil that arises from these situations...

In today’s episode, I share the painful yet inspiring story of recovery and reunification, featuring my amazing guest, Pina Arcamone. With her experience at the Missing Children's Network in Montreal, Canada, she sheds light on the emotional journey faced by families in crisis. 

Did you know that the longer a child is missing, the deeper the trauma they face? That’s why time is critical. We’ll discuss the emotional toll on parents, the kids, and everyone involved.  Pina tells the story of the reunification she facilitated that was child centered and actually the best most sensitiv...

In this episode of 'Abduction Victim to Survivor', host Abby speaks with Henry, a father who shares his harrowing experience of family abduction. The conversation delves into the emotional and psychological toll of abduction on both parents and children, the complexities of international abduction, and the importance of support networks. Henry recounts the day of the abduction, the subsequent search for his daughter Pearl, and the challenges faced during their reunification. The episode emphasizes the need for understanding the perspectives of both parents and children in abduction cases and highlights the resilience required to navigate such traumatic experiences.

In this episode of 'Abduction Victim to Survivor', host Abby discusses the profound impact of family abduction, sharing her personal experiences and insights. Joined by Shelly Acker, they explore the importance of self-care during crises, the emotional triggers that arise from trauma, and the necessity of support systems. The conversation emphasizes practical self-care strategies, the journey of self-forgiveness, and the power of positive affirmations. Listeners are encouraged to take care of themselves while navigating the challenges of family abduction, highlighting that they are not alone in their struggles.

In this episode of "Abduction Victim to Survivor," host Abby engages in a heartfelt conversation with Chewey, a father who experienced the trauma of family abduction when his daughter, Jennifer, was taken by her mother. Chewey shares his harrowing journey of searching for his daughter, detailing the emotional turmoil and the lengths he went to in order to bring her back home. He emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for parents to remain proactive in their search for missing children. Chewey's story is not just one of loss but also of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable...

This episode features Amanda sharing her powerful story of surviving family abduction, the trauma involved, and her journey to becoming an attorney dedicated to helping others. Learn about the impact of family abduction on children and families, and the resilience needed to overcome such adversity.

My friend and colleague, Lanae Holmes, the Executive Director of Family Advocacy of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), shares the mic with me and Sarah talking about a retreat NCMEC held with survivors of sex trafficking and parental abduction. It is fascinating and shows how family abduction is not okay.

In this 13th episode of Abduction: Victim to Survivor, hosts engage in a heartfelt conversation with Baroness Catherine Meyer, who shares her personal experiences with family abduction and her advocacy work. The discussion delves into the complexities of parental alienation, the emotional impact on children, and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships post-abduction. Catherine emphasizes the resilience of children and the need for hope and understanding in navigating these challenging situations. The episode concludes with reflections on healing and the importance of children's rights.

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The conversation in this podcast episode sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of family abduction, particularly the emotional and psychological aftermath for both children and parents. It underscores the necessity for continued research and support for affected families, ensuring they are not left to navigate their trauma alone. The insights provided by experts like Marilyn and Nicola pave the way for a better understanding of the complexities of abduction and the essential support needed for recovery.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Family abduction has lasting emotional and psychological impacts on victims and their f...