We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Family

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Child Abduction?

By Tara Barnett
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 25,534
Share

There are many different types of child abduction, and some are more common in certain areas than others. Kidnapping by a stranger is often the most feared type of abduction in most societies, but familial abduction is much more common. Acquaintance abduction may also occur and is also a serious form of child abduction because the victim is a minor. In some areas, children can be abducted and forced into slavery, military service, or sex work.

When talking about child abduction, the type of abduction most feared by parents is usually abduction by a stranger for ransom or other purposes. A stranger may also abduct a child for the purpose of raising the child as his or her own. Children who are abducted in this manner often undergo physical trauma, sexual assault, or may even be killed. While this type of child abduction is rare, it is a very serious crime.

It is much more common for children to be kidnapped by family members. In a custody battle or other case in which the parents are separated, one parent may take the child away and hide, which is considered child abduction. Typically this type of abduction is perpetrated by parents, but grandparents and other relatives may kidnap a child as well. Usually, the perpetrator believes he or she is committing this crime for the good of the child.

Acquaintance abduction is much more common with teens than other children because the perpetrator is typically around the victim's age. The abductor may be a former romantic partner, member of a gang, or any other acquaintance. In this type of abduction, the victim may undergo additional assault, often relating to the relationship between the victim and the offender.

It is uncommon in most areas, but in some places, children can be abducted in large groups and forced into various types of undesirable work. Children may be trafficked as slaves or sex workers or may be forced to serve as soldiers. Even in areas where this is not common, individual children may still be forced into prostitution or slavery.

Child abduction is usually defined by the type of perpetrator involved, but even within the broad categories above, abductions can be different based on motivation. A kidnapping for money is usually seen as different than a kidnapping out of malice, love, or insanity. In some areas, parental kidnapping does not even exist legally, which means that the same action is not always considered the same crime depending on jurisdiction.

Share
MyLawQuestions is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon352188 — On Oct 20, 2013

Abduction by strangers is widely practiced by Murle tribes of South Sudan. It's now becoming the culture. Even today, they attack maar payam and its neighbors and carry out massive child abductions. It isn't rare.

Share
https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-child-abduction.htm
Copy this link
MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.