There is very little information available about kidnapping because it is a crime that is usually unreported in the media and academics struggle to get access to former hostages and their families to conduct research. This means that public understanding is low and there are many misconceptions about the nature and scale of the problem, who is taken, why, by whom and the outcomes of cases. Building this understanding is important – it will help families and former hostages to get the support they need and will feed into future policy making about kidnapping and support for its victims and survivors.

Hostage US does not produce research on kidnapping and rarely comments in the media. This is because we focus our time on supporting hostages and their families.

We welcome research and responsible coverage of kidnapping, so will try to help where possible.

We also welcome the opportunity to share good practice in interview techniques to ensure those former hostages and their families who chose to take part in academic studies or media reporting can do so in a supportive environment that will not negatively impact on their recovery.

Hostage US is available to comment in the media on the needs of hostages and their families. In this section you will find more information about what we can and cannot comment on, as well as how to contact us for media interview requests.

Responsible interview techniques can help hostages and their families tell their stories and make a contribution to public and policy debates about kidnapping. In this section, you can find guidance on how to interview hostages and their families in a way will be supportive and sensitive, as well as how you can look after yourself as the interviewer.

Kidnapping is a low volume, high impact crime. There is not much information available on data and statistics regarding kidnapping because it is a crime that often goes unreported. In this section you will find answers to some of the most commonly questions regarding kidnapping.