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Abduction during custody and access disputes.
1Family Court Clinic, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ontario.
Summary
Parental abductions during custody disputes impact children significantly. This study examines the characteristics of such abductions and the psychopathology observed in children, comparing them to a control group.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Family Law
Background:
- Parental abductions during divorce and custody disputes are increasingly recognized.
- Limited research exists on abductor psychopathology and the effects on kidnapped children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of parental abductions.
- To examine the psychopathology of children subjected to parental abduction.
- To profile outcomes of family court clinic assessments post-abduction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 parental abduction cases involving 37 children after their safe return.
- Comparison of abduction characteristics and child psychopathology with a control population.
- Review of family court clinic assessments.
Main Results:
- Detailed characteristics of the abductions were documented.
- Specific psychopathological patterns were identified in abducted children.
- Outcomes from family court clinic evaluations were profiled.
Conclusions:
- Parental abductions present unique challenges requiring further study.
- Understanding abductor motivations and child impact is crucial for legal and therapeutic interventions.
- Family court clinic assessments provide valuable data on post-abduction outcomes.