Kidnapping is one of the growth industries of our times.  Kidnapping may be done for financial reward, ideological reasons, payback, as part of an extortion attempt - to force a particular outcome, due to mental impairment by the offender or sexual perversion. 

Children may also be 'kidnapped' by an estranged partner or parent as either emotional blackmail, punishment, to remove financial stress (paying maintenance) or in a belief the children 'should be with them'.  It may be precipitated by court action, the serving of documents or contact by the estranged partner, a family member or a government service.

Where kidnapping is done for financial reward there is an expectation of a negotiated outcome.  The hostage holds value alive and well.  Negotiations are usually conducted through an intermediary.  For example it is known that a large number of negotiations for somalian hostages are conducted through lebanese contacts.

Somalia: As an aside to this, where the person seized is not an employee of a large company, or does not have insurance, there has been some success negotiaiting directly with the Somalian Government.   The Somalian Government is not considered to be effectively in control of the country, however, common background, common language and local knowledge may assist.  There will still be an expectation of a payment.

Such negotiation is a specialist area.  Negotiation is often done in isolation from any other action that is being done, to prevent any voice inflection or reaction betraying information to the intermediary or captors.  Movies such as 'proof of life' do have some basis in fact.  Proof of life is often obtained through the use of newspapers, or interactive voice recognition, to prove that the captive was alive.  Programs such a photoshop have now rendered the still photograph less reliable as proof.  Time and date stamped video/CD recording, with the current paper, a current affairs reference or agreed codewords is a more reliable method.

Where a kidnapping is done by a person suffering a mental impairment or mental illness the outcome can be varied, from no harm through to death.

Where a kidnapping has been done for ideological reasons the motivation may be financial, publicity, an attempt to gain leverage or a bargaining chip.  However the largest risk is the religious zealot who seeks a 'reward' not of this world.  The motivation may be mixed, or change over time.  Where the kidnapping is done by a larger group with a common identity the captive/s may be moved to confuse any intelligence gathering body, to reduce the chance of discovery and also reduce the chance of bonding taking place.  This photograph relates to the kidnapping of Jeffrey Ake.

Where kidnapping is done by a person suffering a sexual perversion it is possible that the subject may be held captive for extended periods.  If this happens the captive may form a bond with the captor, and loose the desire to escape even when opportunity present, accepting that the current situation is their lot.  Dependant on the age, mental attitude and aptitude of the captive this may prolong their life and increase the chances of recovery.

Bonding between captive and captor is not uncommon, and the longer the captivity continuous the greater the chance of such bonding.  These bonds have been well documented, and may well  form after a short period.  For counter terrorist work this has led to procedures where all persons are treated as hostile to a certain extent on entry, to a certain extent, as hostages may 'protect' offenders.  One of the more famous cases of a victim identifying with her captors was the case of Patti hurst, who so identified with her abductors that she took part in robberies with them.

With most offences the first 48 hours is considered the most crucial.  Within this time is the highest likelihood of the subject being located and recovered.
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When travelling the world many young people may not realise the risks they face. This is especially true in area's of South America and the Middle East where a different rule of law, and standard of modesty, apply.  The signal given out may be unintentional, and taken by some as an invitation.  This is a risk multiplier, especially for young women.

However, within most tourist area's there are groups that take advantage of the transient nature of tourists and target them, knowing that most will not appear at court, or that any complaint by relatives will not be immediate.

For examples have a look at the FBI kidnapping website
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