Survival Tips: What To Do When Kidnapped
Survival Tips: What To Do When Kidnapped
For so long, parents have taught children to stay away from strangers. And for good reason. Children are vulnerable and need to learn how to keep safe and to protect themselves from kidnapping.
We drill them to never take candy from a stranger and never to ride in a car with someone they don’t know. However, children do not necessarily have the same concept of a stranger that an adult has. A child that has been brought up with encouragement and has built self-confidence will be in a better position to identify a potentially dangerous situation and to get away from it.
Still, kidnappings are perpetrated not only by strangers. There are statistics that show almost half of juvenile kidnappings were done by family members. More than a quarter by an acquaintance, and the rest by strangers.
In the face of all these, and even though kidnappings are not so common it is still important to be aware, to learn how to protect yourself, and how to escape if you ever become a victim.
During the first moments when a kidnapper tries to grab you, create a commotion by yelling and screaming and getting the attention of other people. Try to get to a public place where you can find people who can help you.
While you struggle with your kidnapper, pushing against him with all your strength can knock him off balance and give you the opportunity to be free from his grip, even for a second.
If the kidnapper succeeded in getting you into his car, you can try to quickly go out one of the other doors. When that is not possible, lean on the horn and make as much noise as possible – again to catch the attention of other people. Anytime there are people on the street or in other cars who can see you, make a commotion.
In the event the kidnapper was able to take you to his house, continue finding a way to get noticed by other people who can help you. If they observe strange things happening in the kidnapper’s house, they will get suspicious and hopefully call the police. Use whatever means available to you — turning the lights on and off, making loud noises, screaming for help.
Look around for other things you can use like a telephone. Try all windows and doors. There may be a way out that is unlocked. You can attempt to unlock a door with tools you find or break a window.
Don’t give up the hope of finding a way to escape and reporting the crime.
