View the interactive Hostage US 2020 Annual Report by clicking the thumbnail below. On mobile devices, please view a PDF of the report here 2020 Annual Report.
Stories from Former Hostages: 3-Episode Mini-Podcast Series
The coronavirus pandemic and the impact on former hostages and families of hostages Personal stories of captivity Returning home and the support needed for former hostages
Personal Stories of Captivity
The Impact of Coronavirus on Hostages and Families
MSG & CEO Damon Walsh 5k race for Hostage US
Damon Walsh, CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Solutions Group (MSG) and a team of MSG runners are racing to raise money for Hostage US in the Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K and Half Marathon! Damon has gone above and beyond by spearheading this team with a fundraising goal of $5000 going toward the families and hostages we serve. Join MSG and their … Read More
2019 Annual Report
Download the Report here
Hostage US’s Inaugural Reception
On April 30th, supporters of Hostage US joined us for our Inaugural Reception. Keynote speakers Lisa Monaco and Jason Rezaian did a wonderful job showing us from two different angles – government and former hostage – the overwhelming difficulties in managing a hostage experience. We thank them and our other speakers who brought their passion for Hostage US’s work and … Read More
The man behind Vice’s push for freelancer insurance
“There’s no reason that duty of care should not extend to freelancers,” says Sharbil Nammour, head of Global Security at Vice.
Hostage US announces new Board and Advisory Council Members
Hostage US announces new Board and Advisory Council Members · Former hostage elected to Board of Directors · Former special assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism joins Advisory Council · Former presidential envoy for Hostage Affairs joins Advisory Council Washington, D.C., September 19, 2018 – Hostage US today announced its newest Board and Advisory Council members. Journalist … Read More
FACT SHEET: U.S Government Hostage Policy
This fact sheet highlights the current U.S policy on hostages, put into place by Barack Obama.
Statement by the President on the U.S Government’s Hostage Policy Review
This speech by former U.S President, Barack Obama, on the reviews his administration made to the U.S Hostage Policy. It created the fusion cell to help coordinate the help the government can offer the families of hostages.
The Business of Dealing with Kidnapping Abroad | New York Times
This article explores common trends in international kidnappings, covering topics ranging from common victims to the rise of kidnappings for ransom.
Hostage-Taking: Motives, Resolution, Coping and Effects
This scholarly article from Cambridge University dives into the why’s of hostage-taking, and covers how those who experience time in captivity cope and find resolution.
Mental and Emotional Impacts of Stress
This article highlights the impact of stress on a variety on mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It also discusses possible personality changes that can result from high levels of stress.
How Stress Affects the Emotions
This article touches upon the effect of stress on individual emotions, from fear to anger.
Managing Stress for a Healthy Family
This article from the American Psychological Association provides tips for managing stress in daily life in order to maintain health across a family unit.
Grief, Loss and Bereavement
This article touches on typical behaviors of those experiencing grief, the different types of grief and the links between grief and depression.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Helping Others Through Grief
This article helps highlight common misconceptions about interacting with those that are grieving, from feeling a need to say something or relating to personal past grief. It provides tips to best help those experiencing grief process their loss and the emotions that come with it.
Vicarious Trauma Tool Kit
This article from the Office of Victims of Crime covers vicarious trauma, its symptoms and its effects. It covers who is at risk for experiencing vicarious trauma and suggestions to minimize risk for experiencing it.
Vicarious Trauma
This article touches upon the different types of symptoms that are associated with vicarious trauma, varying from behavioral to cognitive. It discusses the effects of vicarious trauma on mental health and self-care tips to prevent or reduce risk for vicarious trauma.
Working with Trauma Survivors: What Workers Need to Know
This article from the US Department of Veterans Affairs touches upon different reactions that trauma survivors can have when receiving treatment and how to best accommodate these. It also touches upon vicarious trauma and the effects it can have on a worker in both the professional and personal setting.
Vicarious Trauma Fact Sheet
This fact sheet helps explain different signs and symptoms of someone experiencing vicarious trauma and how it can effect a person in both a professional and personal setting.
How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work
This article helps discuss language (both verbal and non-verbal) to help effectively communicate with others in a professional setting about difficult topics.
Rachel Briggs | Trending50 Feature
Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays | Harvard Medical School
This article from Harvard Medical School touches upon the challenges of coping with the loss of a loved one during the holidays. It provides tips to help process those emotions.
David Rohde – Held by the Taliban | New York Times
Navigating Communication in Relationships After Trauma
This resource dives into communication challenges in relationships in which one or both parties involved have suffered a trauma. It discusses three different types of improper communication that can stem in relationships as a result of trauma, and how to best foster communication within intimate relationships.
Relationships and Communication
This resource provides insight into the importance of communication within relationships and features tips to improving communication.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use and Addiction
This resource provides insight into potential signs or symptoms of someone suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.
Helping Loved Ones Live with Trauma
This resource can be useful for those who want to provide support a loved one experiencing symptoms of a trauma. It discusses dealing with stress and tips to help foster open communication.
Trauma’s Impact on Intimate Relationships
This article is a resource for those who need to learn to adapt their intimate relationships because of trauma. It provides tips to best accommodate the trauma a loved one may live with and the impacts of said trauma on relationships overall.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Resources
This page provides resources on alcohol abuse and alcoholism. It can be beneficial for those who are experiencing alcoholic tendencies or those who have concerns for a loved one showcasing alcoholic tendencies.
The Connections Between Trauma and Alcohol Abuse
This article explains the correlation between trauma and alcohol and drug abuse.
Six Tips for Handling Survivor Guilt
This article provides tips for living with survivor guilt and helping support loved ones who are experiencing survivor guilt.
What Everybody Should Know About Survivor’s Guilt
This article defines and explains survivor’s guilt and helps provide insight into potential symptoms or associated emotions.
Fifteen Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving
This article provides insight into how to help those who are experiencing a loss and grief.
Coping with Loss: Bereavement and Grief
This article discusses the common emotions associated with the loss of a loved one. It features a section on grief in children.
Nine Best Books for Dealing with Grief and Loss
A list of books that will help someone processing the loss of a loved one and grief.
Exercise for Stress and Anxiety
This article from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America links the benefits of exercise and the positive effects it can have on stress and anxiety.