The management of released hostages

Abstract

Hostage situations differ greatly – in the aims and goals of the hostage-takers, the frequency and intensity of maltreatment, the type and quality of conditions, the duration of captivity, and the processes by which they are ultimately resolved and concluded. Although there is a paucity of research-based data about hostage reactions, clinical management, and outcome, there are general descriptive accounts in the medical and popular literature. A number of key texts are highlighted in the references, and examples of different conditions are briefly summarised in Box 1.

Psychological support post-release of humanitarian workers taken hostage: the experience of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

“…Considering the positive influence of appropriate immediate support and adequate follow-up of persons held hostage (Berclaz, 2009;Boisseaux & Vallet, 2009;Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth, 2008;Damiani & Lebigot, 2009;Fletcher, 1996), sound preparation for contingency plans takes place both at the headquarters and the field level. Particular care is given to how to deal with unpredictable "unknowns" such as the venue and the timing of release.…”

“…This involves: providing an immediate update to, and maintaining constant communication with family members; performing an assessment of the ex-hostage's general health status to identify needs that require immediate referral to specialised resources (this first general assessment will be completed later through a comprehensive medical examination) (Boisseaux & Vallet, 2009); providing a calm environment to restore a sense of security and protect the former hostages from the intrusion of curious others (especially the media); and supporting the sense of self-control in the ex-hostage by providing both means of communication and financial resources. Identified, trained and briefed peers provide immediate psychological support (Canbrera, n.d.;WHO, 2011;Mitchell, n.d.) with a follow-up (Fletcher, 1996), respecting the principles of proximity (beginning management of the case close to the site), expectations (which are the reactions that are to be expected after an abduction and their evolution over time), simplicity (discreetly addressing immediate needs), providing consistency over the long-term, and proportionality (Réseau national d'aide psychologique d'urgence, 2013). The peer supporter(s) remain(s) at the colleague's disposal and act(s) as "guardian of resilience" (Cyrulnik, 2008) or confidence person, providing stability, acknowledging the ordeal, facilitating understanding and encouraging effective coping.…”

The “Short Step” from Love to Hypnosis: A Reconsideration of the Stockholm Syndrome

“…The details of the siege, and the myths surrounding it, have become a kind of shorthand for the description of a certain kind of pathological, and possibly sexual, reaction arising out of extreme fear, known as the Stockholm syndrome or "hostage identification syndrome" (Fletcher 1996;Turner 1985). A psychiatrist, writing in a medical journal nearly 20 years later, sums up the events in Stockholm:…”

The Social Organization of Violence Toward Hostages

“…Keywords crime, kidnapping, hostage, group behavior, violence, torture Previous research suggests that individuals who are kidnapped and then held for ransom often suffer from harsh and degrading treatment at the hands of different types of kidnappers during captivity (Alexander & Klein, 2008;Auerbach, 1998;Favaro, Degortes, Colombo, & Santonastaso, 2000;Fletcher, 1996;Griffiths, 2003;Harkis, 1986;Marongiu & Clarke, 2008;Navia & Ossa, 2003). In fact, these observations imply that violence toward a hostage may be a product of the social organization of the group, as reflected by the type of group holding the victim (see Phillips, 2009).…”

“…Fletcher (1996) describes these experiences as including sensory and physical deprivation, torture, mock executions, and rape. Fletcher (1996) describes these experiences as including sensory and physical deprivation, torture, mock executions, and rape.…”