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 emphasizes the resilience of children and the need for hope and understanding in navigating these challenging situations. The episode concludes with reflections on healing and the importance of children's rights.

Please watch/listen/subscribe.

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 the way for a better understanding of the complexities of abduction and the essential support needed for recovery.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Family abduction has lasting emotional and psychological impacts on victims and their families. 

2. There is a critical need for evidence-based research to understand the post-return experiences of abducted children. 

3. Support systems must be improved to help families navigate the challenges that arise after reunion. In this episode you will learn the important research Marilyn and Nicola are working on.  I encourage you to listen/watch this episode and if you are a parent who had a missing child or were a missing child yourself, you can click on the links below and be part of their research study.

These two online surveys are available for completion until 31 March 2026 by:

• Parents and family members of children who have experienced their child’s removal to, and/or retention in, another country in a way which was considered wrongful in law – https://westminsterpsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agedV42lzL7kS22
• Adults over 18 years of age who were previously abducted as children - https://westminsterpsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0HBOXOpBs6UCwB0

Hope you will watch/listen/subscribe.  Thank you.

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 conversation delves into the messiness of human relationships, the impact of cultural differences, and the journey towards reconnection and forgiveness.

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 became an advocate for legislative change, notably the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) of 2014, also known as the Goldman Act. This legislation aims to empower the State Department to engage diplomatically with foreign governments in cases of child abduction. Adina’s advocacy efforts were fueled by her desire to prevent other families from enduring similar hardships. “I was able to start using ICAPRA in the diplomatic spaces,” she shared, underscoring her commitment to creating a safer environment for children.

Edeanna’s journey began with a heart-wrenching decision: leaving her son behind in Tunisia to return to the US with her daughter, Zainab. The emotional weight of this choice was immense, as she described it as “the hardest thing and the most necessary thing” she ever did. This decision set the stage for a battle that would test her resilience and strength as a mother.

Edeanna’s story serves as a profound reminder of the resilience of a mother’s love and the importance of community support in times of crisis. Her journey sheds light on the complexities of international child abduction and the necessity for systemic change to protect children and families. As we reflect on her experiences, we are reminded of the power of advocacy and the need for continued awareness and action in the fight against parental child abduction.

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 insights from their work at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, highlighting the evolution of family advocacy and the need for a trauma-informed approach to reunification.

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 for parents of abducted children and the long-term effects of such experiences on both parents and children.

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 upbringing, and the importance of understanding and healing from her past. The conversation also touches on the cultural differences in parenting, the effects of abuse, and the journey towards self-acceptance and wholeness.