The psychological effects of abduction on its victims : a perspective of Maltese professionals

Abstract

This research study discusses the crime of abduction and the psychological repercussions it has on its victims. A qualitative research approach has been implemented, and this was completed through the retrospective research of foreign abduction cases and local crimes of a similar nature that have been worked on by Maltese professionals. The professionals who have participated in this study were chosen based on their professional status, coming from a variety of backgrounds including those who have engaged directly with local abduction cases, or who have aided victims in their recovery and are overall well-versed in the many areas of research that will be focused on in the study. From this study, one will be able to grasp the different impacts that victims face, as well as some concepts such as coercive control, that may need revisiting in order to fully appreciate the power and abuse that such a crime holds.