Content Warning: This section discusses kidnapping, murder, trauma, and mental illness, including PTSD.

The psychological impact of crime affects every character in The Girl Who Was Taken and influences their motivations, relationships, and personal growth. Megan’s abduction and subsequent trauma serve as a central pillar of this theme, illustrating the emotional and mental toll that such crimes inflict not only on the victim but also their loved ones. Megan’s parents, for instance, grapple with feelings of guilt, helplessness, and a desire to protect their daughter at all costs, showcasing the ripple effects of crime on familial dynamics. Likewise, the Cutty family has been impacted by crime twice: first when Nicole’s cousin Julie was abducted at the age of nine and again when Nicole herself is kidnapped. Nicole is haunted by the loss of her cousin, and that trauma shapes her interests, personality, and actions later in life. Likewise, Livia is traumatized by Nicole’s kidnapping and her own guilt for not answering Nicole’s phone call on the night she was abducted. This guilt impacts Livia’s career choice and continues to affect her every day.

This theme also offers opportunities to explore the nuanced ways in which individuals cope with trauma. Megan’s journey is marked by moments of resilience, vulnerability, and introspection as she navigates the aftermath of her abduction.