Coping during kidnapping – a guide for families

Having a family member kidnapped can be a frightening experience. This guide offers support, information and advice on how to cope – from the moment you are notified of the kidnap to how to prepare for the return home. It highlights key areas including what to expect from those involved in the response, supporting yourself and affected children, how to manage social media accounts.

Our guides are accessible online, downloadable or available in hard copy. Contact us if you would like a hard copy or if you need specific guidance relating to an arbitrary detention. Email: [email protected]

Coping during a kidnapping - English Coping during a kidnapping - French

Can Hostage International help non British Organisation?

Hostage International is a working name of Hostage International and we support families and hostages wherever they are based, as much as our resources and expertise allow.

Information on Kidnapping

There is very little information available about kidnapping because it is a crime that is often unreported in the media and academics struggle to get access to former hostages and their families to conduct research.

Best practice in family support

Organisations experiencing a crisis will work closely with the employee’s family to keep them involved and up to date, offer them support and access to services, such as counselling, and offer help with some of the...

Media organisations

Responsible interview techniques for the media You can learn more about organisational responsibilities, family liaison and the experiences of hostages and their families through our training and education programme.