The psychological impact of kidnappings in South Africa

SOUTH Africa has seen a troubling rise in kidnappings in recent years, with victims often subjected to unimaginable psychological and physical trauma.

- GERRY CUPIDO

The ordeal of being kidnapped is not only a violation of one's freedom but also a deeply traumatic experience that leaves lasting scars on the survivor's psyche.

Amanda Rykaart, HPCSA Registered Counsellor (Trauma) and BWRT® practitioner, sheds light on the psychological impact of kidnapping and how victims can navigate the long road to recovery.

The psychological toll during the ordeal

Kidnapping is a sudden, unexpected and out of the ordinary event that shatters a person's sense of safety and control.

During the ordeal, victims often experience intense psychological reactions.

Initially, there is shock, disbelief, and a sense of unreality.

Physical symptoms such as fainting, vomiting, or bladder voiding may occur as the body reacts to the emotional shock.

Fear dominates the victim's psyche - fear of death, fear for their family's safety, fear of rape or torture, and the crushing realisation of their own mortality.

These emotions are compounded by the uncertainty of their fate.

As the victim is moved to a place of captivity, a flicker of hope may emerge, especially if the kidnappers show moments of kindness.

However, this hope can fluctuate with despair if the treatment becomes harsh or unpredictable.

The psychological aftermath of kidnapping

As Dr. Gabor Maté aptly states, "Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you".