Stats show methods, profile of abductors
Infant abductions happen with enough regularity that the compiled statistics paint a clear picture of how the perpetrators typically commit the act and who they are.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Alexandria, VA, reports that since 1983, there have been 121 abductions from health care facilities. Within health care facilities, 56% are taken from the mother's room, 14% are taken from the nursery, 14% are taken from pediatrics, and 16% from elsewhere in the facility.
Texas and California have had the largest number of infant abductions, with 33 abductions each, notes Ernie Allen, president & CEO of NCMEC. The study of past incidents reveals not just the similarity of many of the acts but also the importance of responding properly, Allen says. "Any time a child is abducted, there is an immediacy to getting as many people looking for the child and/or the abductor as possible. We know the first hours are the most important in locating a missing infant and facilitating safe return," Allen says. "The news media play a critical role in working with law enforcement any time an abduction takes place. In the past 24 years, 95% of abducted infants and newborns have been recovered safely. Overwhelmingly, that success has been because of the power of the media to mobilize the eyes and ears of the public."
Based on analysis conducted by NCMEC of 248 cases between 1983 and 2007, the typical profile of an infant abductor includes the following:
The abductor usually is female of childbearing age (12 to 50), and is often overweight.
- The abductor usually is compulsive and frequently relies on manipulation, lying, and deception to gain access.
- The abductor usually states she has lost a baby or is incapable of having a child.
- The abductor is often married or is living with a male companion.
- Usually, the companion has a desire to have a child, or the abductor has a desire to provide her companion with "his" child. Often, that is the motivation for the abduction.
- Frequently, the abductor lives or is familiar with the community where the abduction takes place.
- The abductor usually visits the nursery or maternity ward at more than one health care facility prior to the abduction and has asked detailed questions about procedures and the maternity floor layout.
- The abductor frequently uses a fire exit stairwell for her escape. That person also may try to abduct from the home setting.
- While the abductor usually plans the abduction ahead of time, she does not necessarily target a specific infant and frequently seizes any opportunity present.
- The abductor frequently impersonates a nurse or other allied health care personnel.
- The abductor frequently becomes familiar with health care staff, staff work routines, and victim parents.
- The abductor demonstrates a capability to provide "good" care to the baby once the abduction occurs.
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