Abduction: Victim to Survivor

Today, I want to honor the fathers who bear the pain of missing or lost children. Father's Day can be a reminder of the grief that runs deep. It's okay if your day doesn’t look like anyone else's—feel what you need to feel. Tears aren't a sign of weakness; they are love and sorrow wanting to breathe. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to carry your loss. Let this day be whatever you need it t...

We wrapped up an incredible Season 1 with 27 episodes filled with powerful stories and expert insights on family abduction. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge! After a successful first season, I want to take some time to enhance the podcast's quality. I will not be publishing new episodes until September, as I plan to work hard this summer on recording more episodes a...

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...

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.  - Fee...

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...

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 neve...

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 ov...

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...

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...

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 i...

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 dis...

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 sear...

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 s...

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 imp...

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 emphasiz...

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...

Introduction: In this episode of Abduction, From Victim to Survivor, hosts Sarah and Abby delve into the harrowing yet inspiring journey of Scott, a survivor of parental abduction. Through his story, we explore the complexities of family abduction, the trauma it inflicts, and the remarkable strength it takes to overcome such adversity.

In this episode 10 of 'Abduction Victim to Survivor,' hosts Sarah C. Finkelstein Waters and Abby are joined by Professor Geoffrey Greif to discuss the complexities of parental abduction and the nuances of family reunification. They explore the emotional and cultural challenges faced by abducted children and their families, emphasizing the importance of understanding, acceptance, and healing. The c...

In the gripping continuation of Edeanna’s story, we dive deeper into the emotional turmoil and relentless determination that comes with the fight against international child abduction. This episode 9 encapsulates her journey back to the United States, the challenges she faced in reuniting her family, and the systemic obstacles she encountered along the way.   Amid her personal struggles, Adina bec...

Have you ever thought about what a parent goes through when their child is abducted?  In our latest episode, Edeanna shares her heart-wrenching journey of fighting for her kids after they were taken to Tunisia.  The power of a mother’s love knows no bounds! ❤️  What do you think is the most important thing a parent should do in such a crisis? Share your thoughts! 

This episode discusses the critical process of reunification for children who have been abducted, emphasizing the importance of emotional support, mental health resources, and understanding the complexities involved in the reunification process. Abby, Sarah, and Lanae, Executive Director Family Advocacy Division, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, share personal experiences and in...

This conversation explores the harrowing journey of Violaine, a mother who endured two abductions of her son, Ryan, and her relentless fight to bring him back. Through emotional storytelling, Violaine shares the complexities of navigating international law, the trauma of separation, and the resilience required to reconnect with her son. The discussion highlights the importance of support networks...

In this episode, Linnea shares her harrowing story of abduction and the complex dynamics of her family life. From her early years in Long Island to her experiences in Turkey and Sweden, Linnea discusses the emotional turmoil of being taken away from her father and the impact of parental conflict on her identity. She reflects on the challenges of reconnecting with her family, the trauma of her upbr...