Natascha Kampusch was abducted at the age of ten in March 1998 while walking to school in Vienna, Austria. She was taken by Wolfgang Přiklopil, who held her captive in a small basement in his home in Strasshof a. d. Nordbahn, about 20 kilometers from Vienna. For eight years, Kampusch was subjected to isolation and abuse, a period during which she developed survival strategies to cope with the traumatic circumstances. On August 23, 2006, while her captor was momentarily distracted, Natascha seized the opportunity to escape. She fled outside into a nearby garden and sought help from passersby. This act of bravery marked a pivotal moment in her life and the cessation of her captivity.

The escape was more than an act of survival; it brought to light the complexities surrounding abduction cases, particularly those involving young victims. The media coverage that followed her escape was extensive, delving into her psychological state, her relationship with her captor, and the broader implications of child abduction. Kampusch's story ignited discussions about the effectiveness of existing legal and protective measures against child abductions, prompting both societal and governmental reflections on the safety of children. It also raised awareness regarding the long-term effects of captivity on victims and the rehabilitation processes they might require.