Especially avoid getting into a vehicle, since it will be much harder for authorities to find you if your attacker drives you a long distance. If you’re taken hostage, the situation may unfold very quickly, and you might not have the opportunity to run.
Try yelling something like, “Help!” or “Call the police!” As a suggestion, yelling, “FIRE!!” is your best bet. People are more likely to respond to fire, and this can summon help faster. At the very least, an onlooker can contact the authorities and let them know that an abduction has taken place. They may also to provide critical details like the kidnapper’s physical appearance or the type of vehicle they’re driving. Really try to get the license plate to see if the car was stolen or to see if it is really their car.
This is your best chance to escape, because the moment will be hectic, and there’s a chance someone will see what’s happening and intervene.
For instance, even if your attacker knocks you down, you might spot a loose chunk of sidewalk that you can grab to hit them with. In your home, you might be able to grab a heavy vase or lamp, a fireplace poker, or even a large book.
Once you’re abducted or taken hostage, it’s best to take a measured approach to escaping, rather than an impulsive one, so start evaluating your surroundings rather than fighting to get away. If you’re put into a vehicle while you’re conscious, try to pay attention to as much about the trip as you can, like how long the car travels without stopping, the direction of any turns, or any sounds you notice on the road. If you’re in the trunk of a car, look for a glow-in-the-dark handle that you can pull to release yourself from the trunk. If this release cord isn’t present, try to kick out the tail lights and wave your hands to alert other motorists that you’re trapped inside. [6] X Research source
If you can help it, try not to even cry. When you’re talking to the person who’s abducted you or taken you hostage, speak softly and clearly. Don’t be belligerent or uncooperative. If you antagonize your captors, they may be more likely to attack or even kill you. [8] X Research source
If there’s anything you want or need, like medication or a book, calmly ask for it—it might help establish some rapport. During conversations with your captors, avoid the subject of politics or religion, especially if you are being held by terrorists. If you have pictures of your family with them, you can even show them to your captors to help them see you as more of a person, rather than just a victim.
Even if you’re blindfolded or it’s dark, you might be able to pick up on sounds or smells that can give you clues to your location. For instance, if you hear a lot of traffic, you’ll know that you might be able to find help if you can just escape the building. Other details to notice about your captors might include their accents, their names or aliases, and who seems to be in charge. If they seem to follow the same routine each day, make note of that as well.
However, do try to act like you’re being cooperative. For instance, you might answer questions about your line of work without divulging your company’s bank account numbers.
You might speak quietly amongst yourselves when the kidnappers are out of the room, for instance, or you might tap out a message if you know Morse Code. It may be helpful to set up a code word in case the opportunity to escape arises.
Even if it doesn’t seem very appetizing, eat whatever food they give you so you’ll stay healthy and strong. Try to use flexing exercises like planks and squats to keep your muscles strong. Many of these can be adapted to work even if you have a very small range of movement. Meditation or prayer can be a good way to keep yourself mentally strong while you’re being held. Fortunately, the longer your captors hold you, the more your chances of survival increase. [14] X Research source
Tracking an abduction victim or negotiating with hostage-takers can take a lot of work, so it’s important to be patient and allow the authorities to find you. Similarly, if you gain access to a phone, only try to dial emergency services if you’re sure you can do it unnoticed. An exception to waiting for rescue is if you believe your captors are planning to kill you. For instance, if they suddenly stop feeding you or if they seem very nervous or scared, your life may be in danger, and you should find any way out you can. If you do escape, get somewhere safe right away, like a police station or a crowded building.
As the authorities secure the scene, they may handcuff and search you. Allow them to do this, then let them know that you’ve been abducted.
Find a therapist who specializes in trauma to ensure you get the care you need.
This may be particularly true if the kidnapping was in your area or happened to someone who resembles you.
For instance, if you are visiting a different country, you work for a political or social organization, or your family is very wealthy, you may feel that you’re more likely to be targeted. If you’re in an area that’s politically unstable, pay attention to daily news reports, as well as any terrorist threat levels, and assess your own kidnapping risk based on that.
Whether you’re traveling or you’re in your home town, try to avoid locations that have a reputation for being unsafe. Also, avoid walking alone at night. Park in well-lit areas and ask someone to walk you to your car if you’re by yourself. When you arrive at your home, have your keys in your hand before you exit your vehicle. If you have a garage, open the garage door, drive in, and make sure the garage door is fully closed before you get out of the vehicle. Don’t reveal personal information about yourself when you’re talking on the phone in a public location, as this could give a kidnapper information they could use against you.
If you’re traveling by foot, walk confidently and with purpose. Avoid stopping on the street to check a map, and take care whom you ask for directions since you want to avoid giving the appearance of being a lost tourist.
You can also eat lunch at a different restaurant each day, visit different bars or meet your friends at different times, or leave for work at a different time. If you do believe you’re being followed in your vehicle, immediately drive to a police station or somewhere you feel safe. If you’re walking, go into the nearest crowded, public space. [23] X Research source If you’re working for a government agency overseas, consider driving a nondescript vehicle without any obvious markings so you’re less likely to be identified on the road.
Look online to find self-defense classes in your area.
Your doctor may refer you to a counselor or therapist who specializes in anxiety.
