Abduction: Victim to Survivor

“This week I sit down with Jerry, a father whose twin sons were separated for 568 days when their mother abducted the healthy two year old twin from the US to Japan and left the twin that was sick behind. His case is an honest look at international parental abduction from a searching father’s point of view. In this powerful conversation, he shares the emotional journey of fighting to reunite his b...

Abby hosts Jenni Thompson for a serious conversation about family abduction, child abuse, and why these cases must be treated as urgent public safety emergencies. Jenni brings nearly three decades of advocacy, law enforcement training, and legislative work, including her role in helping bring Amber Alert systems to broader use. Together they discuss the scale of parental abuse and neglect, the tra...

Rachel’s story is one of the gray areas people don’t like talking about. A mother tried the legal route first. A child asked to be believed. A system looked away. Survival came with a huge cost. That’s the part people miss - escaping harm can still mean losing home, family, routine, and years of peace. And if you’ve ever had to make a choice you never wanted to make, you already know: sometimes th...

Do you know someone whose child is missing—or who has lost a child—and hesitate to say their name because you’re afraid of causing more pain? The truth is, their child is already in their thoughts every moment of every day. Asking about them doesn’t reopen the wound; it reminds a parent that their child is remembered, loved, and not forgotten. In this heartfelt episode of Abduction: Victim to Surv...

Sara was six. Sayeh was eight. “All we wanted was to be loved and cared for,” Sayeh reflects, revealing the emotional toll of her upbringing. As a young girl, Sayeh faced the horrifying reality of grooming by a man who assimilated into their lives under the guise of a caring adult, her mother’s boyfriend. They were sisters, best friends, and each other’s whole world. When Sara was killed at just s...

In this bonus episode, Henry joins Abby to answer a listener’s question about parental abduction during high-conflict divorce. Together, they explain key warning signs, legal safeguards, and practical safety measures that can help concerned parents protect their children and act early. Key Takeaways ·        Watch for unexplained financial changes, sudden travel plans, or other unusual behavior. ·...

Recovery is not the end of the story—and that is what you will hear in this episode. I’m excited to share Season 2, Episode 1 of Abduction: Victim to Survivor . In this episode, I explore expert insights on family abduction, including the importance of acting quickly, understanding trauma, and advocating for long-term recovery. I’m honored to introduce my guest, Elizabeth, who shares the powerful...

Season 2 is here ✨I’m so grateful to be back sharing these powerful stories, expert insights, and real experiences from families and survivors. This season is about helping the people who need it most — whether you’re searching for answers, healing from the past, or supporting someone you love. Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being part of this community. 🤍If this podcast cou...

Season 2 is here ✨I’m so grateful to be back sharing these powerful stories, expert insights, and real experiences from families and survivors. This season is about helping the people who need it most — whether you’re searching for answers, healing from the past, or supporting someone you love. Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being part of this community. 🤍If this podcast cou...

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.