Abstract Kidnapping, a socio-political phenomenon, and its impact on the relationship and paradigms of 32 families was investigated. Colombia holds the highest kidnapping rates worldwide. They were observed after liberation. The research combined qualitative and quantitative methods. Results suggested: families' unity was the main resource with which to face kidnapping. Relationships reflected closeness, although 28% had a subsystem under stress. Religiousness and negotiation abilities were strengthened. Families lost State credibility. The majority faced kidnapping successfully, although 85% connoted it negatively. There were two significant associations: family treatment and conflictive or distanced relationships and individual treatment and a person with low life engagement.