Jaycee Dugard and Shawn Hornbeck are two victims of kidnapping that have recently been found years after they were kidnapped. Given their ages and the apparent “freedom” they were allowed, people sometimes wonder why they didn’t escape sooner. Stockholm Syndrome may be just one explanation among many.
The History of Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome was named after a bank robbery in 1973, in Stockholm, Sweden which included 2 bank robbers and 4 hostages. The hostages were strapped with explosives and held in a bank vault for 131 hours. When they were rescued, despite the emotional and physical abuse that the hostages endured, they had developed bonds with their captors. Apparently, one of the hostages even became engaged to one of the criminals.
Brainwashing vs. Stockholm Syndrome
Contrary to common belief, brainwashing and Stockholm Syndrome are not the same type of disorder. Both are tactics used by captors to control their hostages but create a different result. Brainwashing consists of actually making the hostage or kidnap victim believe the things he is being told, such as “You won’t be happy without me,” “You need me to survive”. Stockholm Syndrome, however, develops when the victim actually feels empathetic toward and forms an emotional bond with the captor.
Both brainwashing and Stockholm Syndrome may have been factors regarding Jaycee Dugard and other kidnapped victims.
A Common Syndrome in Domestic Violence
It is not always in a large scale situation that Stockholm Syndrome occurs. Stockholm Syndrome is often found in women and children in abusive relationships and victims of domestic violence and can occur anytime a victim perceives or experiences the following:
- The victim perceives a threat to his/her physical or psychological survival or well being and believes that the captor or abuser will follow through with the threat.
- The victim may perceive something ordinary as a small kindness by the kidnapper, such as a special gift or treat.
- The perception that he or she cannot escape and the fear of repercussion when caught.
- Isolation from anyone except the captor.
How to Help Victims
If a family member or friend suspects that someone is a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, the important thing to remember is not to pressure him or her yet keep the lines of communication open. Continuously reminding the victim of what an awful person the abuser is only reiterates everything the victim has already been told by the abuser. Statements like “They just don’t want you to be happy,” or “No one wants us to be together,” are common phrases used by abusers.
It is, of course important that victims know that their friends and family are there for them and will help them when they are able to. This is the most important factor in dealing with a loved one that suffers from Stockholm Syndrome, whether it’s a kidnap victim like Jaycee Dugard or loved ones in our own families who may be victims of domestic violence. Let them know that in the end, they always have somewhere to go.
Source: Joseph M. Carver, PhD, Mental Health Matters.
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