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Family member response to violent infant kidnapping
Ann W Burgess1, Timothy Baker, John B Rabun
1Boston College, Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA. burges@bc.edu
Summary
Infant kidnapping survivors and their families can experience chronic posttraumatic stress disorder for years. Psychiatric nurses should screen for secondary trauma and provide resources from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
- Nursing
Background:
- Infant kidnapping is a rare but profoundly traumatic event.
- Families of kidnapped infants are at high risk for long-term psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the persistent psychological impact of infant kidnapping on families.
- To emphasize the role of psychiatric nurses in addressing secondary victimization.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with family members affected by infant kidnapping.
- Longitudinal assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Main Results:
- All interviewed family members exhibited chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over five years post-kidnapping.
- Evidence of significant secondary victimization was observed in family members.
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric nurses must routinely assess for secondary victimization in trauma survivors.
- Referral to resources like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is crucial for affected families.