Parental Abduction - Abduction: Victim to Survivor
by Abby Potash
Abduction: Victim to Survivor is a place for honest stories, compassionate conversations, and hope. The podcast explores how parental abduction and custodial conflict shape the lives of children, families, and entire communities—and what it takes to move from surviving to healing. Drawing from her own experience of family abduction, host Abby welcomes child survivors, adult survivors, searching family members, advocates, experts, and professionals to the microphone. Each episode makes space for voices too often unheard, brings understanding to a deeply misunderstood crime, and reminds listeners that no one should have to navigate its aftermath alone. Our mission is to challenge the dangerous belief that a child must be safe simply because they are with a parent. We raise awareness, share trusted guidance, and offer connection and hope to searching parents, adults who were abducted as children, and families finding their way forward
Episodes
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International Parental Abduction: Your Legal Options Under the Hague Abduction Convention
Has your child been taken to another country, or into the U.S.? Attorney and mediator Melissa Kucinski explains your legal options when you have a parentally abducted child under the Hague Abduction Convention in plain language, including what to do if the country isn't a treaty partner. Melissa...
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"My Fight to Reunite My Abducted Son with His Twin": Father's International Abduction to Japan Story
“This week I sit down with Jerry, a father whose twin sons were separated for 568 days when their mother abducted the healthy two year old twin from the US to Japan and left the twin that was sick behind. His case is an honest look at international parental abduction from a searching father’s…
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The Danger of Family Abduction with expert Jenni Thompson
Abby hosts Jenni Thompson for a serious conversation about family abduction, child abuse, and why these cases must be treated as urgent public safety emergencies. Jenni brings nearly three decades of advocacy, law enforcement training, and legislative work, including her role in helping bring…
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"She Saved Me From an Abusive Father": Rachael on Her Mother's Ultimate Escape
Rachel’s story is one of the gray areas people don’t like talking about. A mother tried the legal route first. A child asked to be believed. A system looked away. Survival came with a huge cost. That’s the part people miss - escaping harm can still mean losing home, family, routine, and years of...
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The Simple Question That Gave a Mother of a Missing Child Comfort and Hope
Do you know someone whose child is missing—or who has lost a child—and hesitate to say their name because you’re afraid of causing more pain? The truth is, their child is already in their thoughts every moment of every day. Asking about them doesn’t reopen the wound; it reminds a parent that…
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Is The Person You Are Bringing Into Your Life Safe For Your Children?
Sara was six. Sayeh was eight. “All we wanted was to be loved and cared for,” Sayeh reflects, revealing the emotional toll of her upbringing. As a young girl, Sayeh faced the horrifying reality of grooming by a man who assimilated into their lives under the guise of a caring adult, her mother’s...
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The Warning Signs of Parental Abduction No One Wants to Miss
In this bonus episode, Henry joins Abby to answer a listener’s question about parental abduction during high-conflict divorce. Together, they explain key warning signs, legal safeguards, and practical safety measures that can help concerned parents protect their children and act early. Key...
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Beyond Recovery: Elizabeth's Courageous Search for Her Children and Beyond
Recovery is not the end of the story—and that is what you will hear in this episode. I’m excited to share Season 2, Episode 1 of Abduction: Victim to Survivor. In this episode, I explore expert insights on family abduction, including the importance of acting quickly, understanding trauma, and...
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Season Two Begins With New Stories, New Experts, and Hard Truths
Season 2 is here ✨I’m so grateful to be back sharing these powerful stories, expert insights, and real experiences from families and survivors.This season is about helping the people who need it most — whether you’re searching for answers, healing from the past, or supporting someone you…
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What 460,000 Missing Children a Year Means for Families and Survivors
Season 2 is here ✨I’m so grateful to be back sharing these powerful stories, expert insights, and real experiences from families and survivors.This season is about helping the people who need it most — whether you’re searching for answers, healing from the past, or supporting someone you…
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A Father's Day Message for Parents of Missing Children
Today, I want to honor the fathers who bear the pain of missing or lost children. Father's Day can be a reminder of the grief that runs deep. It's okay if your day doesn’t look like anyone else's—feel what you need to feel. Tears aren't a sign of weakness; they are love and sorrow wanting to...
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The Secrets to Growing a Sensitive, Impactful Podcast - From Personal Experience to Action
We wrapped up an incredible Season 1 with 27 episodes filled with powerful stories and expert insights on family abduction. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge! After a successful first season, I want to take some time to enhance the podcast's quality. I will not be...
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Episode 27: Why Treating Each Family Abduction Case Seriously Can Save Children's Lives
In today’s episode, I share my journey and the heartbreaking reality of family abduction. It’s not just a custody dispute; it’s a profound trauma that impacts everyone involved. You’ll hear from my dear friend Gary, who spent years working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited…
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Episode 26: How Childhood Kidnapping Shapes Adult Resilience and Forgiveness
In episode 26 of Abduction: Victim to Survivor Laura recounts her experience of being taken from her home at a young age. She describes a day that started like any other, coming home from school, only to find her father waiting in a van to take her and her brother away. - Immediate Confusion…
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Episode 25: How Mindset Shifts and Brain Rewiring Can Transform Conflict and Resolution
Family abduction devastates lives — but understanding how mediation can help prevent, resolve, or transform these high-conflict situations offers hope. If you've ever wondered whether peaceful solutions exist when a child is forcibly taken by a parent, this episode with expert mediator Shari...
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A Gentle Mother's Day Message
A Mother's Day Message for all mothers, for mothers whose children were taken far too soon, for mothers with missing children, for mothers with children who are alienated from them, for women who carry the ache of the children they longed for but never had, for mothers separated from their...
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Episode 24: From Despair to Action: Dr John Bischoff Shares How NCMEC, Helps Families
Today, I’m sharing a moving experience from a dear friend, Dr. John E. Bischoff, Vice President of the Missing Children Division of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, who has dedicated his life to helping families of missing children. He told a heartfelt story about his niece,...
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Episode 23: 22 Years of Hope: A Mother's Personal Family Abduction Journey Back from Heartbreak
Episode 23 shares the powerful true story of a baby who was abducted at six weeks old by his father and endured years of abuse before being found and reunited 22 years later. The episode traces their fight back from heartbreak, underscoring how hope, vigilance, and immediate action can save lives...
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Episode 22: The Truth About Parental Abduction: Why Compliance isn't Consent
I’m excited about this episode that discusses compliant victimization. When a child is abducted by a family member, the trauma runs deep. The pain is psychological. Today, my guest and friend is Carol Ryan, LPC, LCAC. Carol is a licensed professional counselor and addiction counselor who has…
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From Trauma to Triumph: The Long Road of a Father Reclaiming His Children
In the latest episode of "Abduction: Victim to Survivor," host Abby shares a poignant conversation with Kevin, a father whose life was irrevocably altered by family abduction. This episode sheds light on the emotional struggles faced by parents in similar situations and the importance of support...
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Episode 19: Inside the Child Centered Reunification After a Two Year Child Abduction
In today’s episode, I share the painful yet inspiring story of recovery and reunification, featuring my amazing guest, Pina Arcamone. With her experience at the Missing Children's Network in Montreal, Canada, she sheds light on the emotional journey faced by families in crisis. Did you know that...
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Episode 18: Henry's 4 Year Search for His Daughter
In this episode of 'Abduction Victim to Survivor', host Abby speaks with Henry, a father who shares his harrowing experience of family abduction. The conversation delves into the emotional and psychological toll of abduction on both parents and children, the complexities of international…
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Episode 17: Self-Care When Your Child is Missing
In this episode of 'Abduction Victim to Survivor', host Abby discusses the profound impact of family abduction, sharing her personal experiences and insights. Joined by Shelly Acker, they explore the importance of self-care during crises, the emotional triggers that arise from trauma, and the...
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Episode 16: Never Stop Searching: Chewey's Story of Resilience
In this episode of "Abduction Victim to Survivor," host Abby engages in a heartfelt conversation with Chewey, a father who experienced the trauma of family abduction when his daughter, Jennifer, was taken by her mother. Chewey shares his harrowing journey of searching for his daughter, detailing...
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Episode 15: Surviving Family Abduction: Amanda's Traumatic Journey of Resilience
This episode features Amanda sharing her powerful story of surviving family abduction, the trauma involved, and her journey to becoming an attorney dedicated to helping others. Learn about the impact of family abduction on children and families, and the resilience needed to overcome such adversity.
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Episode 14: Surprising results from a retreat with family abducted youth and trafficked survivors
My friend and colleague, Lanae Holmes, the Executive Director of Family Advocacy of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), shares the mic with me and Sarah talking about a retreat NCMEC held with survivors of sex trafficking and parental abduction. It is fascinating and…
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Baroness Catherine Meyer's Advocacy and Personal Experience
In this 13th episode of Abduction: Victim to Survivor, hosts engage in a heartfelt conversation with Baroness Catherine Meyer, who shares her personal experiences with family abduction and her advocacy work. The discussion delves into the complexities of parental alienation, the emotional impact…
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Episode 12: Children's Voices Matter
The conversation in this podcast episode sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of family abduction, particularly the emotional and psychological aftermath for both children and parents. It underscores the necessity for continued research and support for affected families, ensuring they are...
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Episode 11: Scott - Overcoming a Violent Family Abduction
Introduction: In this episode of Abduction, From Victim to Survivor, hosts Sarah and Abby delve into the harrowing yet inspiring journey of Scott, a survivor of parental abduction. Through his story, we explore the complexities of family abduction, the trauma it inflicts, and the remarkable...
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Dr. Geoffrey Greif on Navigating the Complexities of Parental Abduction
In this episode 10 of 'Abduction Victim to Survivor,' hosts Sarah C. Finkelstein Waters and Abby are joined by Professor Geoffrey Greif to discuss the complexities of parental abduction and the nuances of family reunification. They explore the emotional and cultural challenges faced by abducted...
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Episode 9: Edeanna's story recovering her children from Tunisia Continued
In the gripping continuation of Edeanna’s story, we dive deeper into the emotional turmoil and relentless determination that comes with the fight against international child abduction. This episode 9 encapsulates her journey back to the United States, the challenges she faced in reuniting her...
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International Abduction: Edeanna's Struggle to Recover Her Children From Tunisia
Have you ever thought about what a parent goes through when their child is abducted? In our latest episode, Edeanna shares her heart-wrenching journey of fighting for her kids after they were taken to Tunisia. The power of a mother’s love knows no bounds! ❤️ What do you think is the most…
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Lanae Holmes On Reducing The Trauma Of Coming Home
This episode discusses the critical process of reunification for children who have been abducted, emphasizing the importance of emotional support, mental health resources, and understanding the complexities involved in the reunification process. Abby, Sarah, and Lanae, Executive Director Family...
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Violaine's Courageous Recovery of Her Son From Lebanon
This conversation explores the harrowing journey of Violaine, a mother who endured two abductions of her son, Ryan, and her relentless fight to bring him back. Through emotional storytelling, Violaine shares the complexities of navigating international law, the trauma of separation, and the...
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Linnea's Abduction Story: From The US to Turkey and Sweden, A Child's Perspective
In this episode, Linnea shares her harrowing story of abduction and the complex dynamics of her family life. From her early years in Long Island to her experiences in Turkey and Sweden, Linnea discusses the emotional turmoil of being taken away from her father and the impact of parental conflict…
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A Father's 25-Year Search for His Son
In this heartfelt conversation, Abby and Ian discuss their experiences with abduction, trauma, and the journey towards healing. They explore the importance of trust, the challenges of familial abduction, and the role of support networks like Team HOPE. Ian shares his personal story of loss and...
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Sarah's Abduction Story. A Life Divided.
In this conversation, Sarah Cecilie Finkelstein Waters shares her profound experiences as a child who was placed on a milk carton as a missing child in the 80s. She reflects on the emotional turmoil of being reunited with her mother and the identity crisis that ensued, highlighting the…
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Therapeutic Help For Children Who Have Been Abducted
In this episode, Sarah, Abby and Heather McTaggart-Bryan discuss the complexities of trauma experienced by children who have been victims of parental abduction. Heather shares her extensive experience in therapy, emphasizing the importance of expressive therapies like sand tray and play therapy…
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A Mother's Search For Her Son: 8½ Months, an FBI Recovery and the Road to Healing
In this episode of 'Victim to Survivor', hosts Sarah and Abby delve into Abby's harrowing experience of family abduction. Abby recounts the day her son Sam was taken by his father, the ensuing search, and the emotional turmoil that followed. The conversation explores themes of trauma, community...
About this show
Abduction: Victim to Survivor is a place for honest stories, compassionate conversations, and hope. The podcast explores how parental abduction and custodial conflict shape the lives of children, families, and entire communities—and what it takes to move from surviving to healing.
Drawing from her own experience of family abduction, host Abby welcomes child survivors, adult survivors, searching family members, advocates, experts, and professionals to the microphone. Each episode makes space for voices too often unheard, brings understanding to a deeply misunderstood crime, and reminds listeners that no one should have to navigate its aftermath alone.
Our mission is to challenge the dangerous belief that a child must be safe simply because they are with a parent. We raise awareness, share trusted guidance, and offer connection and hope to searching parents, adults who were abducted as children, and families finding their way forward
Hosted by
Abby Potash
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