Kidnapping and Abduction

Report the crime to police so you can get protection, safety, and support. Your safety is their highest priority.

• Call police on 111 immediately if you have been kidnapped or abducted, or you suspect someone else has been, or if you feel are in danger that this is about to happen.

• Otherwise, call the police non-emergency number on 105, or go online to report what has happened to you or others you know.

• Go to your local police station to talk to the person at the front counter and they will advise you about what to do. You may be able to speak to an officer straight away. Consider taking a support person with you. Find your closest Police Station here.

Get medical help for any injuries
If you have been injured, see a doctor, go to a hospital emergency department for help, or call an ambulance. People heal better and sooner if they have medical assistance. Have the doctor prepare a report that can be shared with police. It will be important evidence.

Give a statement
The police will interview you and will ask you to give a statement to assist their investigations. Your information could later help in a criminal court case.

• A police officer will write down or record what happened. After a violent or traumatic experience people’s memories can sometimes be a bit foggy or uncertain. Things that happened can seem like a blur. Just take your time and do your best.

• What you say must be true. Giving police false information is a serious matter.

• You’ll be asked to read it through to check it’s correct and then sign it to confirm it’s an accurate report of what happened to you.

• Police may also ask for permission to take photographs of any injuries as evidence and to obtain copies of any medical records relating to the injuries.

Support the investigation
The police will investigate the case and will keep you updated on progress. They may need to interview you again.

If there is to be a court case
Police will be in touch with you to talk about the court process and invite you to give a Victim Impact Statement. They will explain what giving evidence will involve if you are to be a court witness. Police will also let you know when and where you may be needed to give your evidence. Sometimes there can be delays in a court case, so they will let you know if that happens. PDF from Going to Court

If the perpetrator is sent to prison, you may be entitled to be placed on the Victim Notification Register.

Find ways that to increase confidence in your personal safety
Use the tips police suggest in their booklet Keep Safe, Feel Safe. Taking these actions can help to increase your confidence in your personal safety and security, and that of your family and whānau.

Give yourself time to recover after this traumatic experience
See below for ways to cope with your reactions.

Everyone’s different and will react in their own way
Being kidnapped or abducted is a traumatic experience. Victims usually experience a range of strong reactions. These are all normal reactions to an extreme situation, but they can be hard to manage and can continue for some time.

Common reactions include shock, confusion, distress, fear and anxiety, being on edge/jumpy, feeling constantly unsafe, anger, resentment, guilt, shame, or helplessness. Many feel powerless during their experience. You might find it is hard to know who to trust now. You might want to be spending more time close to other people you trust, or more time alone.You may feel anxious about going out and about, away from home.

You may have some disturbing thoughts or memories, nightmares, or flashbacks, as if frightening events were happening to you again. It might be hard to remember some things, or to concentrate. You may find you try to avoid anything that brings back bad memories for you.

Physically you may have difficulty sleeping or your appetite might change. Other physical reactions can include being shaky, tight chest, a racing heart, difficulty breathing, body aches, nausea, upset stomach, or headaches. Existing health conditions may get worse because of the stress.

Victims say that being rescued and freed brings a sense of huge sense of relief and hope, but the weeks that follow and adjusting back to normal life can still be very difficult.

These kinds of reactions are all normal responses
However, they might affect you more, and for longer, than you expect. It may be an up and down time for a while. See some tips below for coping with the impact of what’s happened.

If children or young people have been affected by what’s happened
See our information sheet for parents and caregivers about Supporting your child or young person after a crime or traumatic event. Don’t hesitate to get them some extra professional help if they are struggling to cope. Helpful places to go for that help are listed towards the back of this information sheet.

Looking after yourself is important
Eat healthy food. Drink enough water. Keep up routines and get good rest and sleep, as best you can. Do some simple exercise. Take some slow, deep breaths. Spend time with people you can relax with, or with a pet. Spend time in nature. If you find keeping busy helps, find useful tasks to do. See a doctor if you’re unwell, extremely anxious, or are having difficulty sleeping. Draw on any cultural or spiritual beliefs you may have. Accept caring offers from others if that would help.

Talk about what happened
When you’re ready, talk to someone you trust about what happened, such as a trusted member of your family, whānau, a close friend, your doctor, a counsellor, a psychologist, a respected elder, rangatira, or a Victim Support worker. If any aspects of your story are particularly disturbing, speak to a professional. Talking honestly about how things are can help release the stress and emotional tension inside.

More tips for coping with your reactions
To understand more about trauma and grief, and to learn ways to manage your reactions, please see:

• Coping with Trauma
• Dealing with Flashbacks
• When you are Grieving

Your reactions are normal responses to a traumatic event
Even though it may not feel like it now, they will gradually lessen in the weeks and months to come.

If they don’t lessen or get worse and disrupt your daily life and work, it is best to seek the help of a professional who has experience supporting people after trauma. Some people may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have concerns, see your doctor, a counsellor, a psychologist, or ask your Support Worker about help that is available to you.

If your reactions trouble you

• Visit your doctor. They can do a health check and support you with any ongoing issues, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, flashbacks, or depression.

• Consider talking with a counsellor or psychologist. They can help you work through your reactions and the consequences the crime has had.

• If you need to find a local doctor, counsellor, or psychologist, please click here.

If children or young people have been affected by what’s happened
See our information sheet for parents and caregivers about Supporting your child or young person after a crime or traumatic event. Don’t hesitate to get them some extra professional help if they are struggling to cope. Helpful places to go for that help are listed towards the back of this information sheet.

We are here for you 24/7
Our Support Workers are available to support you personally, or as a family or whānau, for as long as you need us. You can call us 24/7 on 0800 842 846 to be connected with a Support Worker.

Our support is completely free and confidential, and available throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

What we can offer
Our Support Workers can support you with:

• someone to listen, talk with, and support you to cope through trauma and loss
• help to understand your rights and make informed choices
• information and help to answer your questions
• help to access local support services and counselling to suit your situation
• someone to assist and support you at any court trials, hearings, and dealing with police and other government agencies
• help to prepare Victim Impact Statements and attend family group or restorative justice conferences
• financial assistance for victims of serious crime.

We are committed to providing quality support to strengthen the mana and well-being of all those affected by kidnapping and abduction.

If you have English as a second language
If you require support in your first language, Victim Support can use Ezispeak to connect with an interpreter over the phone. Call us on 0800 842 846 and let us know. We will try to match you to a Support Worker who speaks your language.