abducting

Abducting refers to the act of taking another person away, typically against that person's will, through force, threat, or deception. It is generally treated as a criminal act and is closely related to the term kidnapping. In many legal systems, abduction may be defined as unlawful removal or confinement accomplished by coercion, deception, or intimidation, and may be charged as kidnapping, false imprisonment, or unlawful restraint depending on the jurisdiction.

Parental abduction is a common form that occurs when a parent removes a child in violation of custody or visitation rights, or refuses to return the child after visiting. International child abduction involves cross-border removal of a child and is addressed by international agreements such as the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980), which seeks to secure prompt return and access.

Historical and cultural notes: practices described as abduction have appeared in various cultures, such as bride kidnapping in historical contexts. Modern law generally opposes such acts and penalizes them.

Etymology: the word stems from Latin abducere, “to lead away.”

Impact and response: victims can suffer physical harm, psychological trauma, and long-term social or economic consequences. Law enforcement investigations, protective orders, and civil remedies aim to locate the person, secure safety, and provide support services and restitution where applicable.

See also: kidnapping, false imprisonment, parental kidnapping, human trafficking.