Crime Info 101: Jaycee Dugard and Stockholm syndrome, what is it? Part 1

Crime Info 101: Jaycee Dugard and Stockholm syndrome, what is it? Part 2
Part 1

As news of the Jaycee Dugard story permeates across the country, many wonder why she didn’t try to escape earlier. The answer might be found in the Stockholm syndrome. Jaycee Dugard, who was kidnapped at the age of 11, lived with her captor for 18 years and bore two children with him. Though it might appear that she stayed willingly, the truth is that she more than likely did not. The Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response to extreme threat or danger, where the victim will bond with their captor in an effort to stay alive. Though it is not verified that Jaycee Dugard does suffer from the condition, many experts are weighing in, stating that it is more than likely that she does.

Upon release, Jaycee Dugard’s stepfather, Carl Probyn stated that she expressed feelings of guilt for bonding with her captor, Phillip Garrido. This comment lends credence to the possibility that Jaycee developed Stockholm syndrome. But just what is Stockholm syndrome and why does it exist? Jaycee Dugard is not the first kidnap victim to bond with or identify with her captors. The condition has its origins in Normalmstorg, Stockholm, after a robbery occurred in and bank employees were held hostage between August 23 and August 28, 1972.

In his book ‘The Betrayal Bond: breaking free of exploitive relationships’ author Patrick Barnes describes the origins of the syndrome. Barnes describes how the hostages were threatened and terrorized by their captives, yet at the same time, the captors would perform small acts of kindness. By the time the hostages were freed, after five and a half days of being held captive, authorities were amazed that the hostages sympathized with their captors. Additionally, the hostages exhibited signs of rage and contempt towards their rescuers. The hostages hugged, kissed, and declared their loyalty and support to their captors as they were being arrested.

The combination of kindness, love, and care coupled with violence and fear creates the Stockholm syndrome. Additionally, when the captors were freed, after serving a ten year prison sentence, both of the captors married women whom they held hostage. Though the women had known the men for a short amount of time, they waited ten years to marry their captors. The wedding was attended by other people who were held hostage. One of the greatest examples of the Stockholm syndrome is Patty Hearst.

(Stockholm hostages with captor; he is the man standing in the right corner of the photo)

Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army and after nearly two months of captivity she began to not only sympathize with her captors, but also joined their cause. During the course of her trial, her attorneys used the Stockholm syndrome in her defense, unsuccessfully. Patty Hearst was tried and convicted; however, her sentence was later commuted by former president Jimmy Carter.

Sources: The Six Day war in Stockholm by Dr. Nils Bejerot professor of social medicine Karolinska Institute, Stockholm

The Betrayal Bond: Breaking free of exploitive relationships page 34

Jaycee Dugard photo provided by her stepfather, Carl Probyn

Patty Hearst photo in the public domain

Crime Info 101: Jaycee Dugard and Stockholm syndrome, what is it? Part 2

Jaycee Lee Dugard pictures, photos, and slideshow