Special Contingency Risks (SCR), a business under WTW, has introduced a new insurance add-on aimed at supporting people who have been taken hostage. This new option, called Enhanced Victim Support (EVS), is part of a special partnership with Hostage International, a charity that helps former hostages and their families.
The EVS extension offers extra help for those caught up in kidnaps, unlawful detentions, or major security incidents. It covers things like medical care, psychiatric support, salary support, and rehabilitation for both victims and their families. Only SCR policyholders can access this new coverage.
In addition to offering this support, SCR will also donate to Hostage International each time someone buys the EVS extension. This donation will help the charity continue its important work supporting people affected by kidnaps.
Mark Doust, director of Special Contingency Risks, said the move is about providing better post-trauma care for victims and their families. He added that the partnership is meant to back the charity’s unique role in this area.
Hostage International was founded by Sir Terry Waite and Carlo Laurenzi. Waite was himself a hostage in Lebanon for nearly five years, and Laurenzi has a background in leading charities, including Prisoners Abroad. The charity offers free and confidential advice to those affected by kidnaps and detentions.
Lara Symons, CEO of Hostage International, expressed her gratitude for SCR’s support, saying it will help the charity continue to assist people dealing with the trauma of kidnaps and wrongful detentions.