This overview examines factors related to the parental abductor, including: gender; socioeconomic characteristics; psychological and sociological factors; and international abductions. Information on the relationship between the abductor and the child includes: age and sex of the child; site and timing of the abduction; use of accomplices; mental abuse, physical and sexual harm to the child; and impact on those involved. The paper presents information that police may find useful in locating and recovering the missing child, such as data about the abducting parent, communication between involved parties, and travel plans. There is a list of 17 factors which may be used to construct a profile of a parental abduction, including such findings as: (1) Mothers tend to abduct their children after a court order is issued, fathers before the court order; (2) Abductions tend to be from the home, not a schoolyard or another residence; and (3) Accomplices, usually family members or current partners, are used in less than half the cases. Footnotes, tables, references