Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Natascha's kidnap anguish goes on

Lauren Veevers
Sunday 21 January 2007 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The long-term effects of kidnap victim Natascha Kampusch's eight-year segregation from society emerged yesterday, a week after child kidnap victim Shawn Hornbeck was released in Missouri.

The 18-year-old is plagued by a variety of problems including an aversion to daylight and the effects of malnutrition, and can only sleep for four hours a night.

After years of being undernourished while held captive by Wolfgang Priklopil, Ms Kampusch has now begun to comfort eat and her appearance has changed markedly since her escape five months ago.

None the less, she is also now a millionaire several times over, thanks to international media deals, and is renting a penthouse in Vienna. Yet she frequently stays in the high-rise flat where she was raised, for fear of living alone.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in