The psychological impact of kidnappings in South Africa: A path to recovery

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

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.”

The psychological impact of kidnapping varies widely depending on factors such as age, gender, cultural background, prior trauma, and the duration of the ordeal.

Survivors often grapple with feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment in their own responses during the kidnapping.

They may feel like imposters, disconnected from themselves and others.

Trauma fundamentally alters how survivors perceive the world and themselves, leaving them with a shattered sense of safety and trust.

Coping with the trauma

Healing from such a traumatic event is a deeply personal and often lifelong journey.

Amanda Rykaart emphasises the importance of understanding and normalising the survivor’s reactions.

Survivors need to know that their responses—whether fear, anger, or numbness—are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances.

Taking time to heal

Recovery cannot be rushed. Survivors need time to process their experience, work through grief, and make sense of their emotions. Allowing them to reclaim control over their lives and decisions is crucial.

Therapeutic approaches

• Talk therapy: While traditional talk therapy can be helpful, it may not always suffice, especially if the survivor struggles to verbalise their trauma.
• Somatic therapy: This approach addresses the physical symptoms of trauma, helping survivors reconnect with their bodies. Bessel van der Kolk’s work, The Body Keeps the Score, highlights the importance of somatic healing.
• Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT): Known as “contentless therapy,” BWRT is highly effective for trauma survivors as it does not require them to relive or retell the traumatic event.

No therapy approach

Some survivors may choose not to pursue formal therapy, especially if they have prior experience with trauma.

Instead, they may turn to nature, music, literature, or self-study to heal. While these methods can be beneficial, it is important for survivors to avoid isolation and lean on their support systems.

How loved ones can help

Support from family and friends is critical in a survivor’s healing journey. Here are some ways loved ones can provide meaningful support:

• Educate themselves: Understanding the effects of trauma can help loved ones provide better support. Group debriefings can be beneficial for both survivors and their families.
• Show empathy, not sympathy: Avoid pity or silver-lining the experience. Survivors need to process their emotions without pressure to “look on the bright side.”
• Be present: Sometimes, silence and physical presence—holding a hand or offering a hug—can be more comforting than words.
• Avoid medication overuse: While short-term medication may help, prolonged use can suppress emotions and hinder healing.
• Respect decisions: Allow survivors to make their own decisions about returning to work, school, or spiritual practices.

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The rise in kidnappings in South Africa has left countless individuals and families grappling with profound trauma.

Understanding the psychological impact of such events is crucial for both survivors and their support networks. 

As Rykaart highlights, healing is not about erasing the trauma but integrating it into one’s life in a way that allows for growth, resilience and finding meaning.

You never get over trauma, but can get through it.

By fostering empathy, patience, and understanding, we can help survivors navigate their journey toward healing and hope.

IOL