For hostages – including those who have been arbitrarily or wrongfully detained – returning from captivity is not the end of their journey. For most, a new period of recovery and reintegration begins, which can take months or even years to complete.
Drawing on interviews with former hostages who were held for varying lengths of time, in different places, and who have been back home for different periods of time, we have updated our guide for returning hostages on how to rebuild their lives. The work was led by Jude Tebbutt, with support from other former hostages as well as world-renowned trauma experts.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reintegration – everyone finds their own way. This guide aims to offer tips and advice to help returning hostages find a unique way to survive and rebuild their lives in a way that is right for them.