Chasing The Cyclone is a critically acclaimed international legal thriller. For best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese the novel is a call-to-arms against child abduction. In writing Chasing The Cyclone, Peter’s intent was direct: to stop the global child abduction epidemic. Since the author’s creation of the I CARE Foundation, the U.S. child abduction rate has declined by 38%.The author and I CARE Foundation activism have been praised by global leaders, including the Hague Secretary General.
Best-selling author Peter Senese continues his dedication to help innocent children and their parents that are targeted for international abduction by supporting the I CARE Foundation. Mr. Senese has stated that it is a great honor being able to help by donating 100% of his e-book royalties earned from the sale of Chasing The Cyclone. The I CARE Foundation, an organization dedicated to conducting research and raising social awareness about the serious issue of international child abduction, has also played a major role in creating legislative initiatives that are helping to reduce the rate of abduction.
The critically-acclaimed Chasing The Cyclone has been heralded as a must read by targeted parents that are desperately trying to protect their children from international child abduction. Peter Senese's novel has been recognized by child abduction prevention advocates as a road map on how a parent may either prevent the international abduction of their child or reunite with their child. As international parental child abduction continues to be a grave concern for thousands of parents each year, resource guides that outline child abduction risk factors and preventive measures against abduction are critically important. Chasing The Cyclone provides parents with keen insight on these issues.
Chasing The Cyclone is also being hailed by numerous top book critics and readers alike, as a fast-paced suspense thriller wrapped within the ultimate love story between a father and his son. Peter Senese's novel is one that perhaps few other writers could have written with such intimacy, familiarity and depth of understanding. It is a story of a father doing everything possible to find and reunite with his inernationally abducted child. Chasing The Cyclone is inspired by the best-selling author's own harrowing experience of racing into the dark and dangerous storms of having a child internationally abducted to the other side of the world, and a father's willingness to stop everything in his life to fight incredible odds to find and reunite with him.
Peter Senese commented, "Chasing The Cycloneis the story of the greatest type of love of all: the love and commitment a parent holds for their child. Imagine having a complete life, filled with all the niceties you can imagine, when suddenly your defenseless child is used in the most unthinkable of schemes intended to cause you great hurt, and is criminally abducted to some unknown place on the other side of the world. Now imagine that the only thing that stands between bringing your child home or having your child lost forever, is you and your willingness to face the ultimate sacrifice. Well, that is what happens when a parent finds themselves "Chasing the Cyclone" of international child abduction." He adds "When I was 'Chasing the Cyclone' of child abduction, I made a promise to my God that one day I would come back to this fight, and make a difference for other children and their parents. In donating my royalties to the I CARE Foundation, we were able to help reunite children who were criminally abducted with their families. So in this sense, I suppose, readers of my novels have a direct and measurable way to participate in helping children."
The New York Journal of Books had this to say about Chasing The Cyclone: "Chasing The Cyclone is a well-written thriller . . . Senese shares myriad emotions by writing in the first-person as he weaves through the action in this suspense-filled story . . . This novel might also be considered a treatise on international child abduction. Cyclone, while full of actual strategies and resources to assist parents in international abductions, is above all else a love story about a father and son ... From Los Angeles, to Canada, to New Zealand, and eventually, Macau, a special administrative region of China, Cyclone is rife with international intrigue and suspense. The protagonist, Paul Francesco, orchestrates a master plan that he hopes will reunite him with the love of his life - his son. Along the way he finds himself swamped in red tape and drenched in frustration. Filled with a plethora of powerful characters and puzzling predicaments and dead ends, the story moves quickly . . . Cyclone will leave you informed and satisfied . . . you will be reluctant to put down."
The Examiner stated, "Peter Senese is a gifted storyteller who takes readers on a heart pounding journey around the globe through the eyes of Paul Francesco, a father whose 7-year old son is abducted by his mother. The writing is raw and the emotions are real . . . The story is filled with twists and turns that will leave readers scratching their heads, seething in anger, and hugging their children a little tighter . . . I highly recommend Chasing the Cyclone as a must-read. You will not be able to put it down. It may very well change the way you look at life, child custody, and interactions with your child's other parent. I cannot endorse this book strongly enough."
Amazon Hall of Fame reviewer Daniel Jolley commented, "Chasing The Cyclone isn't just a powerful novel; it's a call to arms against a growing epidemic that is tearing lives apart behind the headlines... Chasing The Cyclone is much more than just a superb, can't-put-down novel, though; it is a book with a purpose... Thomas has become an outspoken advocate on this issue, and Chasing The Cyclone makes for a clear and profoundly effective call to action. I would go so far as to encourage every loving parent to read this book, as the bond between this father and son is one to be emulated..."
Dr. Grady Harp, a highly respected Amazon Hall Of Fame book reviewer said, "Peter Senese now opens the windows on the magnitude of these tragedies in his excellent "Chasing The Cyclone"... As if the fast paced energy of this story weren't enough to satisfy the reader, Peter Senese demonstrates his quality as a writer of distinction on many levels... this impossible to put down book..."
Amazon Top Book Reviewer Shelley Gammon added, "Chasing the Cyclone" is the second book I've read by Peter Senese, and like "The Den of the Assassin," it's a real page turner... This was a book I could not put down. Thomas has a gift in writing a compelling novel that not only keeps the reader engaged, but educates as well."
For more information on international child abduction please visit the following websites:
The SPRING Season Is The Time Of Year When International Parental Child Abductions Are Planned. Parents in Multi-National Relationships That Are Facing Difficulty Should Be Very Concerned About The Reality of International Child Abduction.
I wish I could say that the number of successful international parental child abductions (IPCA) worldwide is unilaterally declining, but that is not the case. However, there is promising news to share: the reported cases of IPCA in the United States has dropped by over 15% per year for two years in a row after sustained 30 year growth (Please read the report).
This said, I am writing to offer an important reminder that the summer months and school vacations are the primary time of year when children from all around the world are targets for IPCA. Critically, it is important to remember that the vast majority of IPCA cases are well planned, filled with clever schemes and chicanary, and attempt to through the targeted parent off-guard so that they would not suspect that a planned kidnapping is underway or has occurred until their child is gone.
Remember, now is the time that parents intending to illegally remove their children from the child's country of habitual residency begin planning their scheme.
Before I go further, I think it is necessary to point out that the majority of IPCA cases occur in cross-cultural relationships, whereas one parent is born or has close connections to another country other than the country their child was raised in. Of course, IPCA does not only occur in multi-national relationships; however, it appears that when multi-national relationships fail that have a child attached to it, there exists a higher possibility of IPCA.
There are in fact many signs and signals that can provide you with insight that your spouse or former spouse is intending to abduct with your child.
Most of all, trust your instincts. If you have reason to believe that your spouse is in the process or is contemplating the abduction of your child, you must not wait: contact your local police and a lawyer familiar with family law and custody matters.
You may need to file an ex parte (an Emergency without notice filing) motion to the court of jurisdiction where the child lives, seeking court intervention prior to when the abduction or wrongful retention occurs. Under most laws, the judge will have to hear your application so long as you present enough strong and credible evidence that your spouse or ex spouse is planning to take your child across state or international borders.
The most obvious warning sign is if the other parent communicates in any way that they have intent or a desire to remove the child of the relationship out of the country. In most instances, if the other parent threatens you with the idea that they are going to abduct your child, the fact is that in most cases, the abduction is already planned and may be in progress. You must act!
In addition, there has been a new, frightening trend that is causing incredible harm to targeted parents of abduction: the use of false criminal complaints against a targeted parent by a taking parent so that the parent intending to abduct a child can have their target arrested, typically for domestic abuse. In these growing schemes, the parent intending to illegally remove the child will typically make a false police report on a Friday afternoon, with the hope and expectation that the child's other parent will be arrested and detained throughout the weekend. While that parent is held, the abductor will then leave the country without incident. And outlandishly, they will portray themselves as liberators fleeing a violent abuser, when in fact, the entire scheme was a lie. Unfortunately, it is a clever lie because the abductor has set up an abduction defense under Article 13 of the Hague Convention if in fact the nation they were abducting to was a signatory member of the convention.
Now, I can't say this enough: the early spring is teh time of year when abduction schemes are planned. Be very mindful that the other parent's full intent is to have you drop down your guard: in order for them to be successful, they must trick you into thinking everything is going well in your relationship. So, for example if you are in a relationship that has been consistently strained, and all of a sudden the child's other parent begins to put some 'curious' effort into making things work - and they soon suggest traveling to their home country with your child during the summer - be extremely concerned that a planned abduciton is well under way.
Here are a few more things to be very mindful of - and don't take them for granted!
1. Be aware of the possibility of any abduction. Although there are no foolproof warning signs for abduction risk, some indicators should not be ignored. Do not stick your head in the sand and pretend that your child is not at risk. Awareness of IPCA is critical.
2. The vast majority of international child abductions occur by a parent who is determined to cause hardship and harm to the other parent. The instrument that they use in order to cause this harm is the child or children of the marriage. A significant number of leading therapist from around the world have stated in numerous reports that revenge is the primary and leading reason why one parent will try to end the other parent’s relationship with their own child. Therefore, if you are involved with a person who has jealous or revengeful tendencies, you must be aware that these characteristics are common in the vast majority of would-be parental child abductors.
3. If the issues raised in Section 2 are true in your situation and your spouse or former spouse has in the past used the child of your marriage or relationship to cause you harm, pain, and suffering, or, has tried to control and manipulate your actions, then your concern should be magnified ten-fold. If the same individual has family members in another country or has lived in another country and has expressed a desire or threat to move there with your child, your concern should be magnified one-hundred fold.
4. If there is evidence of previous abductions, disappearances, or threats to abduct the child by your spouse or ex-spouse, these indicators demonstrate that any new abduction threat is real and in more likelihood already planned.
5. If your spouse or ex-spouse has citizenship in another country and strong emotional or cultural ties to their country of origin.
6. Unexplainable removal of cash deposits and diminished assets, or unexplainable increases in credit card or bank debt.
7. Concealment of new credit cards or bank debt.
8. Concealed, hidden, and abrupt communication with individuals or family members living in a foreign country.
9. Concealed, hidden, and abrupt communication with a lawyer.
10. Frequent previous trips with child to a foreign country without other parent.
11. Family and friends living in a foreign country.
12. No strong ties to a child's home state.
13. Strong foreign support network.
14. No financial reason to stay.
15. Possible use of the child as a pawn in order to gain access to non-joint assets.
16. Engaged in planning activities such as quitting job; selling home; terminating lease; closing bank accounts or liquidating assets; hiding or destroying documents; or securing a passport, a birth certificate, or school medical records.
17. A history of marital instability, lack of cooperation with the other parent, domestic violence, or child abuse.
18. An announcement of an unexpected trip to another country with the child.
19. The taking of easily transportable high-valued items such as jewelry upon departing to another country.
20. Adamant unwillingness to leave the child behind with you while spouse travels to a foreign country.
21. Shipping of personal items to a foreign country.
22. A past tendency of your spouse or ex-spouse to relocate and live abroad.
23. In certain jurisdictions – whereas both parents have a joint-right to custody – it is conceivable that a parent possessing a right of custodial authority over the child (this can be joint or sole custody) can legally remove the child of the marriage/partnership to another country for an undetermined period of time (claiming a holiday or short-term trip) without needing permission or actually informing the other parent if a pre-existing travel agreement is not in place already with the court. Essentially, a parent exercising their right of custody over their child can legally remove the child of the marriage/partnership without permission from the other parent if a court order is not issued previously.
Not surprisingly, many international parental child abductions occur when one parent takes the child of the marriage to another country for an alleged short ‘family visit’ – however, in reality that person has no intention of ever returning with the child to the place of habitual residency. What typically happens next in these scenarios is that the abducting parent, unknown to the left behind parent, files for a divorce in the country they have abducted to.
The divorce motion and affidavit filed makes claim to all sorts of cruel and dangerous behavior against the spouse (thus the reason why they are able to file under an ex parte [without notice] motion). Once the divorce law suit is filed, the abducting parent usually will go underground with the assistance of family and/or friends who usually assisted in the planning of this act. It is critical to note that deception is a critical element in these typical scenarios: the left behind parent is left to believe that their partner and child are on a short vacation (typically to visit family of the partner) at the time of their departure. A few days or weeks later, reality sets in with either a phone call or a letter saying that the partner and child/children are not returning, and that a divorce action has been filed.
So, even if you think you are happily married, it is greatly advised to have a legally binding and court registered travel agreement in place prior to either parent exercising a right of custody is granted permission to leave the country with your child.
24. Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, it probably is. And remember that most international parental child abductions are carefully planned and typically involve the help of others.
25. BEWARE that the other parent may be trying to prepare an Article 13 Defense while remaining in the country prior to an abduction. This may include the other parent filing false police reports or social service reports against you.
REMEMBER that if the international courts have reason to believe that the return of the chlld may put the child in grave danger, they will not order for a return to the country of origin under Article 13. The use of false reporting right prior to an international child abduction is a strong indicator that an abduction is planned.
26. If a parent living as an alien citizen of one country but has limited roots to that country and is intending to travel with the child abroad, the risks of an abduction are great. MORESO, if the parent who is planning to depart, say on a few week vacation, does not have the ability to purchase a return ticket back to the child's country of origin and/or does not have employment and/or does not have housing, then you can bet that upon departure for the so-called 'vacation', that parent is not returning.
Remember, Intent and Sustainability issues are critical. If a person can't sustain themselves in the country that their child was born, and, they have no deep roots, why in the world would they want to stay?
28. If an alien-parent has deep connections to another country, and has deep connections to that country's senior government officials, there is a clear risk. Recently, I have been advising on a situation where the potential abductor has immediate family members in charge of overseeing a fleet of aircraft owned by a Middle East family (or you could say government). Obviously, access to aircraft and departing under immunity of a foreign government are very concerning.
Please visit the official website of CHASING THE CYCLONE for one of the most comprehensive websites on IPCA as well as information on Peter Thomas Senese's critically acclaimed novel about a father's love for his child.
The following itemized list are the priorities of the I CARE Foundation as we continue to play our part protecting children and families from international parental child abduction, international child trafficking, and child slavery.
Still, where there are hearts of goodness committed to acts of goodness, anything is possible. This notion is one we believe and is exemplifed by the many miracles that we created this past year - playing key roles in reuniting many kidnapped children.
But the work we need to do . . . we really do believe that if our legislative policy initiatives are passed, we will cripple the mountain of abduction.
The following are the priorities of the I CARE Foundation's outreach and stewardship: What Needs To Be Done
Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction inbound member-state signatories need to adhere to the spirit of the international treaty and act to expeditiously decide on litigation concerning the return of the child. The I CARE Foundation will launch a research study on time-related matters connected to international child abduction and use our findings to educate policymakers and administrators around the world.
Courts in signatory member-states must act fairly and without bias so the international treaty is upheld. The I CARE Foundation will launch a research study on bias-related matters connected to international child abduction and use our findings to educate policymakers and administrators around the world
Judges in courts all over the world who preside over IPCA cases must be well-trained on all matters of IPCA, including the reality that abduction is a severe and abusive crime against a child that enables an abductor to further abuse a child during the time litigation brought by a targeted parent occurs. Furthermore, courts and their judges must act to counter-balance any stall tactics implemented by an abductor or their legal counsel as such activity is often implemented to strategically financially break the chasing parent due to the extreme cost chasing parents face when trying to reunite with their kidnapped child. Of course, the courts must enforce the universally recognized notion amongst signatory nations that IPCA is extreme abuse, and extreme abuse is not in the best interest of any child. The I CARE Foundation will release our research study on court-education and judge competancy connected to international child abduction and use our findings to educate policymakers and administrators around the world
Sanctions by Hague member-nations against non-complying Hague member-nations must simply not be discussed but enacted. The collateral damage of innocent children in lieu of other foreign policy issues should not be acceptable under any circumstance. The I CARE Foundation will seek to educate lawmakers in the United States about the costs related to collatreal damage, while also creating a grass-roots educational awarenss campaign stating that collateral damage of children due to policy initiatives is not acceptable, particularly when we're talking about over 100,000 American children's lives over the next 10 year.
The I CARE Foundation will participate in the production of the upcoming feature documentary film, '150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children'.
New state and federal laws (in Canada, provincial and national laws) geared toward child abduction and child trafficking must be created and upheld by both law enforcement and courts. This includes the I CARE Foundation's initiatives to have the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative modifed, and, to create a Secondary Prevent Departure Program. It is the belief of the I CARE Foundation that such initiatives will put a significant stop-gap in abduction.
In the United States, the Senate passed SR 543, which resolved that the American government and all agencies charged with a role in preventing or reuniting internationally kidnapped children use all legal remedies available to them under law to help children, including consideration of criminal prosecution of abductors and those who have aided or abetted in a kidnappers activity. It is imperative that individuals who conspire to or actually abduct or aid in an abduction of a child are prosecuted. The I CARE Foundation will be releasing a study that addresses this matter.
IPCA is a criminal act of kidnapping under the International Kidnapping Crimes Act. The act of kidnapping of any form is an inhumane act. Kidnappers who flee to another country must be extradited back to the country where the abduction took place. Thus, it is critical that new agreements are created between many countries that allow for extradition of parents who kidnap, which unfortunately does not exist today. The I CARE Foundation will work to educate lawmakers and policy administrators about the importance of this issue.
Parents everywhere must be aware that IPCA is real, growing, and could potentially impact their lives, particularly in an ever-growing multi-cultural global society where individuals from different nations create relationships that result in the birth of a child, and, the prevalence of divorce in society. Critically, the I CARE Foundation will continue to act as stewards and share the message that IPCA is a real issue that all parents must be aware of.
Continued research in the area of IPCA must be conducted. The I CARE Foundation will continue conducting and publishing an assortment of research in this area.
And whenever possible, the I CARE Foundation will attempt to help families in crisis.
We will continue our efforts to share our research on the world stage.
We will continue to build strategic NGO partnerships with organizations committed to protecting children and assisting families in crisis.
The I CARE Foundation has come a long way from the seedling of a book - Chasing The Cyclone. There is a great deal of work to be done, and we are committed to continuing to play our part in assisting families in crisis. Truth is, child abduction does impact too many lives.
And to those of you who have shown your spirited support, we thank you for your kind gestures and words. They do matter and make a difference in all of our lives.
The film will focus on the worldwide epidemic of international parental child abduction and the impact this criminal act of kidnapping has on targeted victims.
There is no question we intend to create a very unique film, one that has not been created in this area because up until now, there has been no organization that has unilaterally conducted the extensive type of research on this subject the way the I CARE Foundation has, which will rudder and guide the scope and scale of the film.
In addition to our unique ability to share a true picture of what the barren landscape of child abduction is, we have high expectations for the actual aesthetic production quality of the film as we will be shooting using RED Camera technology, and incorporating a host of special effects and other film making technology intended to give viscosity to the story we will tell.
On a personal level, I remain committed to doing all that I can to help society understand the malignant aspects of parental child abduction. Till this day, one of the most alarming issues I see is just how wide-spread a lack of knowledge exists concerning international child kidnapping, even though each family is only three degrees of separation from knowing someone who has had a child targeted or stolen. Tragically, by the I CARE Foundation's calculations, roughly 10% of all children internationally abducted only come home.
Glaringly - what we fight for - what we really fight for . . . is to protect child murder and post-abduction suicide by adults who were once child victims. I know: nobody wants to talk about it, especially since abduction in itself is a severe act of child abuse. But truth is, filicide and post-abduction suicide are real.
In the case of filicide, parental child murder occurs more often than anyone cares to think. And I too shudder at such thoughts. But we're talking about hundreds of child murders in the United States and Canada alone each year. This is more than concerning.
And suicide.
You see, children of abduction, during the 'taking period', which could last a lifetime, essentially have their identity brutally stripped from them. Their lives of 'Who I Am' not only are denied, but altered into one big lie because of a sociopath abductor's need to rationalize their criminal act to the child, nearly always using parental alienation and isolation tactics into creating a demonizing myth about the targeted parent. In the end, the guilt, anger, and acknowledgement of a life of lies become overwhelming, and sadly, there is no place to go. Suicide.
With hundreds of thousands of children around the world targeted for abduction each year, each nation needs new laws. In order to have new laws created that will be impactful, correct data must be shared, thus the need for research on a host of critical topics. The I CARE Foundation has and continues to lead in this area. And of course, research and data alone do not protect children - but creating a swallow of public opinion that legislators hear, does. And that is what 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Childrenintends to do - increase awareness at every level, while offering solutions in the best interest of children.
I remain committed to helping rescue children who have been abducted, trafficked, abused, or in crisis. This includes using my ongoing book royalties, including 100% of those generated from the critically acclaimed 'Chasing The Cyclone' along with all of my other novels for use by the I CARE Foundation. It is my honor to be able to help others, as I take seriously my responsibility to help those in need. With 100% of the necessary funding in place, it is my aspiration that 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children will become a tremendous tool that will save innocent lives. After all, that is exactly what we're trying to do: save lives.
I have been saying this for the past month, but in case you missed my message, Christmas is a very vulnerable time of year for children at-risk of international parental child abduction (IPCA).
In fact, earlier today I had a conversation with a senior officer with the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues concerning scheduling a meeting concerning various legislative initiatives the I CARE Foundation has been working on in the aftermath of Senate Resolution 543 passing.
During my conversation, one particular issue became very clear: there are a lot of international parental child abductions occurring right now.
I am so incredibly thankful for the many blessings, privileges, and responsibilities I have in my life. But most of all, I am most fortunate that I have the opportunity to share many great things with some truly remarkable friends.
If it is true that your life is rich because of the purpose that drives you - and I do believe this to be true - I am truly wealthy where it matters most.
Okay, a hectic but delightful Thanksgiving Day has come and gone - there was a wonderful Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a lot of waving, and a silly lady who I continue to enjoy so much with being the silly lady that she is. And there was lots of family, too many courses of food - I did make room for several of my mother's spectacular riceballs - and just enough time to get ready for 'Black Thursday Night' and' Black Friday', which, after giving it two seconds of thought, never happened. Instead, I decided a small second helping of pumpkin pie sure would beat joining the cattle-call of eager shoppers waiting in line for a bargain.
So I did what I think any civil person should do: I embraced 'Cyber Monday' with great enthusiasm! For a few hours, and while listening to Peter Gabriel's incredible music, including 'Don't Give Up' . . . and so, I shopped! And I must admit, I really enjoyed myself!
Despite all the activity, and there was a lot going on, I never thought sight of what I was thankful for. As I said, joining my 'top of the list', and inclusionary of my family's safety, happiness, and health was the great blessing of friendship I have been fortuante to share and embrace.
My work in the world of storytelling has allowed me to see the world over and over again. I am thankful that these possibilities have allowed me to evolve into the thoughtful person I continue to aspire to be.
I am also so thankful that by embracing my voice as a storyteller, which requires courage and belief in yourself, I have been able to impact others in a positive way in my capacity as the Founding Director of the I CARE Foundation. God knows I have a lot to say about protecting children from international child abduction.
And I have been blessed to know gentleness despite much time I spend in the darkness fighting against kidnapping of children. In hindsight, I think knowing what it is like to be a parent Chasing The Cyclone of abduction has increased my capacity to love deeper, richer, and compasionately.
I truly am thankful for all I have in my life. I see what I do have, not what I do not. I embrace those in my life, while respectfully remembering those who have passed in a way that reminds me that they have never left - but instead -that I need to rethink how I see and feel them. I love being a storyteller - which I view as a wonderful adventure as oppossed to work. I actually love my professional work - which is quite different than the adventures I have as a writer, but none-the-less equally fulfilling, and I embrace with vigor and purpose my volunteer activism fighting against abduction as a board member of the I CARE Foundation, assisting children who are learning to fight challenging illnesses, and of course, celebrating literacy and our imaginations. And through the many challenges I have had in my own life, I am so thankful that through them, I have learned to see the magic that exists around me each and every day. It may have taken some time, but I am so thankful that I have learned how to embrace wonderment.
Most of all, I am thankful that there is so much love around me and in my life.
Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the I CARE Foundation logo is a heart with little hands on it . . . and that is more than pretty cool.
So even though I am a little late in sharing my perspective about Thanksgiving and all that I am deeply appreciative of and for, here I am letting my family, friends, fellow activists, and my readers from all over the world know you have all given me so much to be thankful for. And if I have sent this message specifically to you - it comes from the heart - Thank You for being a part of an incredible year. I am truly thankful you are in my life.
Don't Let Your Child Be Internationally Abducted This Christmas
Several weeks ago the I CARE Foundation began an educational campaign reminding parents that the Christmas Holiday Season is International Parental Child Abduction Season. In an effort to raise awareness, I had written a series of essays that were posted on an assortment of websites.
Our warning to parents to be mindful of the possibility of abduction during this time of year must be taken seriously.
Earlier today, one of the I CARE Foundation's board members was contacted by a parent who shared information with one of our directors concerning the other parent of the child. What she shared included:
1. A strained relationship that included acts of abuse.
2. A new-found 'love' by the other parent and desire to make the partnership work.
3. A request to travel abroad to that other parent's family, which so happens to be the country of origin and citizenship of the partner.
4. A recent selling of a car for at least $7,500.00; however, no deposit of the sale has occurred in any bank accounts the inquiring parent has access to or is aware of.
5. Discovery of the child's educational transcripts.
6. Recent shipment of clothing to help out 'the poor'. 7. Late night 'walks' that appear to be time when secretive phone calls are made as indicated by discovery of international pre-paid calling cards.
8. A previous false claim 2 months ago of domestic violence.
After hearing of these events, the I CARE Foundation board member made some suggestions that might give more clarity on whether an international parental child abduction is planned.
Sure enough - the parent followed the instruction provided. Discovery unquestionably shows abduction during the Holiday is planned.
. . . It may be planned . . . but it sure is not going to happen.
Friends - pay attention to this article below, share it, re-post it, talk about it .... but get the information out.
Chasing The Cyclone by Peter Thomas Senese
Parents Dealing With Divorce Should Not Let Their Children Travel Abroad With The Other Parent During The Christmas Holiday Season - International Parental Child Abduction. The Christmas Holiday Season is also one of the most prominent times of year when many children are internationally abducted by one parent from another. It is critically important that any parent who is in a partnership with an individual who originates from or has family abroad to be highly suspect of the possibility of international parental child abduction during this time of year.
As in all cases of parental abduction, these crimes against children are well-thought-out, well-planned and designed to catch a targeted parent off-guard and unsuspecting that a horrible scheme is underway to have their child taken.
And the schemes that eventually see children abducted or illegally detained abroad are being carried out right now.
With 100,000 to 125,000 American Children and anywhere from 12,500 to 20,000 Canadian children reported to be expected to be internationally abducted over the next ten years DO NOT STICK YOUR HEAD IN THE GROUND: International parental child abduction is a pandemic that silently steals children. Don't let your child be abducted. Educate yourself.
You should know only an estimated 10% of all children internationally abducted ever come home.
What To Look For
In many instances of cross-border parental child abduction that occurs during the holiday season, generally the largest number of incidents takes place when one parent travels to another country with their child or children of a relationship accompanied by, or with the initial consent of the other parent.
Generally, the travel takes place under a guise of a holiday trip abroad to visit family members of the parent intending to abduct. Of course, the targeted parent is clueless as to what is really going on.
So for example, Father X was born and raised in the Middle East but married Woman Y, who is an American citizen. The couple lives in the United States, where their child was born and raised.
Unknown to the the woman in the relationship, the husband wants to end the relationship and relocate back to his country of origin back in the Middle East. However, he has one problem: he knows that his wife will never allow for him to legally take the child with him. So instead of announcing his true intent to separate, the husband will create critically important misdirection. Meaning, he will do everything possible to make his wife believe that he is happy and committed in the relationship. I did say everything possible.
Why? Becuase it is critical that she put her guard down and not suspect any foul play or scheme.
In the meantime, little things - that are really big things - may be taking place visibly or without knowledge of the targeted parent. There are many warning signs to look for, but if the subtleties are not carefully considered, then the would-be abductor will get away with their plan. So the husband who is intending to abduct the child by wrongfully detaining the child abroad will continue to create a facade of being happily married and committed to the relationship while carefully laying out a plan to get the child abroard.
Eventually, and right about this time of the year, the would-be abductor makes the suggestion that it would be 'great' or 'nice' or 'meaningful' to travel abroad together or without the other parent (depending on reasonable circumstances) in order to see his parents, siblings, and extended family. And of course, all of this is in the best interest of the child of the partnership. Now, since the wife may believe the husband is committed to their relationship and does not even consider that he may have intent to not return to their marital home, she more than likely is willing to consent to the holiday vacation. Unfortunately for the mother and child, the trip takes place. Unknown to both, the parent intending to abduct has already hatched a well-thought out plan, including what may be necessary to keep the child abroad while removing the other parent's rights to the child abroad. Everything is deception - and everything must be considered.
For example: the husband may ship certain belongings like a crib or a stroller and other items of the child that may create the appearnace the other parent knew he was relocating - and gave consent! Or, he may have begun to move his assets abroad. Once abroad with his wife and child, the woudl-be abductor may make false accusations of child or spousal abuse (men and women both claim abuse in cases of of planned abduction), claims of drug use, or any other claim that may indicate that the child is at risk.
By stating the child is at risk, this could potentially allow a local court in the foreign country to grant him immediate custody of the child - even though the child's original jurisdiction is in the country they were born and raised. In addition, in cases where a Hague Application may be filed, the abductor has laid ground for an Article 13 Defense (which evolves around the best interest of the child). If it sounds complicated, it is. It is important for individuals married or in a relationship with partners who originate from non-Hague countries such as those located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to understand that if you are traveling to nations located in these areas and the other parent intends to not return to the child to the country of original jurisdiction, there is a very good chance they will be successful in keeping the child abroad . . . and your contact will be limited or absolved completely. Additionally, it is important to pay careful attention to Hague-Convention non-complying countries such as Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Poland. Of course, if you ever plan to travel abroad and have been involved in a suspecious or strained relationship, please contact an attorney who is familiar with international parental child abduction prevention. Though I am not an attorney, I would highly advise you consider obtaining a court order prior to travel that the child is to be returned. However, remember - in countries that are not members of internatinal treaties regarding abduction or do not comply to such said treaties - if a child is taken - it will be very costly and difficult to bring your child home. So - if you have any suspecion that an abduction might be planned - and this time of year is the planning period for the high number of Christmas Holiday Abductions that occur - seek the advice of a qualified lawyer - and do not let your child travel abroad under any circumstance. Pay attention to the warning signs and act now!
Raising Awareness - The Power Of A Book
The American Flag and U.S. Senate Citation
As many know, I am committed to not only raising awareness about child abduction, but through the I CARE Foundation I am the Founding Director of, I am absolutely committed to stopping abduction by creating new laws and policiies that help prevent abduction or reunite children who have been abducted. And whenever possible, the I CARE Foundation will do what is necessary to help safely and legally bring a child home - something we have accomplished on numerous occassions thus far this year.
In fact, the natural progress of events beginning from the initial e-book publication of Chasing The Cyclone led to the creation of the not-for profit I CARE Foundation. I am happy to share that through the efforts of the I CARE Foundation dozens of children who have either been internationally kidnapped or who have been targeted for international abduction have either been safely reunited with their families or were actually protected from abduction, and remain safely home.
This is a fairly significant statement when considering that the foundation's volunteer reunification efforts represents a noteworthy number of all American children who have come home. Truth is, the majority of children will never come home. Some simply can't: they are gone forever.
And this sentiment is not a piece of fiction: it is reality. And it sucks. And it is worth standing up and fighting for.
Best-Selling Author Peter Thomas Senese
I think for any author, the biggest goal when writing any book is to have an impact on your intended audience. The financial success of a book is obviously important; however, the desire to influence others is the real intent.
And with dozens of children either rescued or protected from abduction thus far, combined with the many initiatives the I CARE Foundation has under way that will further help others, I am pleased with Chasing The Cyclone's impact thus far. But there is a long way to go.
Having seen first-hand the horrors of abduction, I am committed to continuing fighting this fight. Fortunately, governments from around the world are taking notice of the I CARE Foundation's work - which means we're making a difference.
In fact, last month I had the opportunity to participate in the United State's Department of State's 'International Visitor Leadership Program' at the United State's Mission to the United Nations concerning the foundation's advanced work in child abduction and human trafficking prevention. It was a great honor, particularly when considering some of the incredible global leaders who have previously participated in the program.
Unquestionably, the publication of 'Chasing The Cyclone' has helped many parents and children: new laws have been passed, new policies implemented, and new legislation that could help stop abduction and trafficking is on the horizon - and children are home.
From Left to Right Chris Morris, Eugene Pothy & I CARE Founder Peter Thomas Senese
My financial commitment to the I CARE Foundation and support of the organization's efforts to help children remains steadfast as shared by I CARE Board Member, Hague Convention Attorney Network member and highly respect attorney Joel Walter in a very kind article he shared on his website. In fact, I have donated 100% of all of my various novel's proceeds over the past year to the I CARE Foundation: it is a commitment I intend to continue (outside of the month of November, when all proceeds will be donated to help victims of Hurricane Sandy).
Being able to assist the I CARE Foundation has been a responsibility of mine that in truth has been a privilege to uphold. But truth is, nearly seven years ago I never even knew the collective words international parental child abduction were. Nor did I realize that I was one of a surging number of individuals who were not familiar with this vonocular. And quite frankly, at that time, most individuals in society did not realize the severity of this crime or what a chasing parent will go through to safely bring home their child. Nor did they realize that sociopathic tendancies of an abusive abductor, who, not only would kidnap a child, but would attempt to slander and defame the targted other parent because international law has established a loophole known as the 'Abductors Defense' (Hague Convention: Article 13) that know targeted parent is immune from.
To read about Chasing The Cyclone's impact, click here. To purchase Chasing The Cyclone, please visit Amazon or BN.
Most of all, if you are in a multi-cultural relationship and you think there may be a chance that your spouse or partner may try to abduct your child during the coming holiday season, please pay attention to the information I have provided. International parental child abduction is only three degrees of seperation from impacting someone you know.
