Family Abductions
An estimated 203,900 children were victims of a family abduction in 1999. A family abduction occurs when a family member takes or keeps a child in violation of the custodial parent's/guardian's legitimate rights.
Family abduction findings:
78% of abductors are the non-custodial parent
35% of children were between 6-11 years old
24% of the abductions lasted between 1 week and 1 month
82% of abductors intended to affect custody permanently
21 % are other relatives
42% of children were living with a single parent
15% were living with another relative/foster parent
An estimated 58,200 children were victims of a non-family abduction in 1999. Non-family abductions occur when someone who is not a relative abducts and detains a child without lawful authority or parental permission with the intention to keep the child permanently. In 1999 there were also 115 stereotypical kidnappings. A stereotypical kidnapping occurs when a stranger or slight acquaintance transports a child 50 miles or more from home and either kills the child, holds the child for ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.
Non-family abduction and stereotypical kidnapping findings:
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81% were 12 years old or older in non-family cases |
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58% were 12 years old or older in stereotypical kidnappings |
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In 40% of stereotypical kidnappings, the child was killed |
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In another 4%, the child was not recovered |
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86% of the perpetrators are male |
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The abducted children are predominantly female |
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Nearly half of all victims were sexually assaulted |
