We are the hostage’s employer but we did not send our employee to the country in which they have been taken

If the hostage is an employee of your organisation but the kidnap occurred outside of their employment, you are urged to continue paying their salary for as long as is feasible as part of good corporate social responsibility. You are also urged to offer as much support as possible to their family and colleagues. Illustrating a commitment to support in such circumstances can have an enormous impact on staff morale.
If the hostage is released, they may not be fit to return to their full work responsibilities straightaway. You are urged to extend discretion to them as they recover from their ordeal, and to assist with providing any emotional support that may be necessary. You can share Hostage International’s details with the family and/or former hostage should they wish to have ongoing and independent support. Please contact: [email protected]

External events and expert speakers

As the longest-established specialist charity supporting individuals and families affected by kidnapping and arbitrary detention, members of the Hostage International team are available to participate in externally organised open and closed conferences, talks, and workshops around...

Talking to children if the worst happens

A video looking at how to talk to children if the worst happens

Life after captivity – a reintegration guide

For hostages – including those who have been arbitrarily or wrongfully detained – returning from captivity is not the end of their journey.

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.