22. Surviving a Kidnapping

A hostage situation and a kidnapping, while being similar in many ways, usually have very different motivations. When it comes to kidnappings, a kidnapper’s motivation is usually either personal in nature—he or she has some sort of infatuation or obsession with the person—or there’s motivation by money with the hope someone will pay a ransom for your return.

Remember, most kidnappers are not motivated by killing the abductee. They may be driven by some sick and twisted motives, and they may eventually try to kill the abductee, but killing usually isn’t the driving factor. There is actually a good chance the abductee is going to survive the situation if the proper steps are followed.

HOW TO SURVIVE A KIDNAPPING

The first step in preventing a kidnapping is obviously awareness and trying to stop the abduction before it happens. If you can recognize the threat before it happens, or escape the actual abduction attempt, you immediately put an end to the situation.

Fight Back and Refuse to Go

If you find yourself in a situation in which you are being forced into a car or forced to go along with someone, I believe your best bet is to fight back. Do everything you can to resist going with the abductor. Draw as much attention to the situation as you can. Scream, kick, scratch, yell, struggle. Refuse to walk. Make it as difficult as possible for the abductor to move you. If it’s only one person attempting to kidnap you, your best bet is probably going to be to immediately fight for your life. Trying to escape before you are taken captive usually outweighs the risks of being injured while fighting back, but you’re going to have to determine that based on what’s actually going on.

Adapt a Survival Mindset

If you miss your chance to escape while the kidnapping is initally happening, you need to immediately change your mindset. While I believe you should always be looking for a way to escape, now that you’ve been caught you need to not only calm your own nerves, but you also need to put your abductor’s mind at ease. Immediately set your mind on survival, determine that you’re going to live no matter what, and start taking actions to control your fear. Don’t rock the boat. The sooner the kidnapper stops seeing you as a threat, the sooner he will drop his guard and you can start to again look for the opportunity to escape.

Always Watch for Your Opportunity to Escape

Escape is always your number-one goal, and you should be watching for every opportunity to do just that. Without drawing attention to the fact that you’re watching the kidnapper, you should be keeping a close eye on his movements, his mood, his schedule, and anything you can use to help get the upper hand. Unless you are in immediate danger, which would then call for an immediate attack, you should be watching and waiting for the kidnapper to slip up. The second he does, use that opportunity to escape.

Establish Some Type of Rapport With the Kidnapper

If possible, engage the kidnapper in small talk, which does two things. First, it causes the kidnapper to see you as a living person rather than an object. If the kidnapper starts to see you as a person and not an object, he is less likely to harm or kill you. Second, it distracts him and could make him drop his guard, giving you the chance to either attack or make your escape.

One caveat to that would be in the case of someone who’s mentally disturbed. Trying to build rapport with someone suffering from a mental illness could easily backfire and cause the person to become even more paranoid.

HOW TO ESCAPE FROM THE TRUNK OF A CAR

Look for a trunk release.

If you’re thrown into the trunk of a car, immediately look for the emergency trunk release. A lot of newer cars have a glow-in-the-dark T-shaped handle that will pop the trunk. If you don’t see that, feel around for a cable leading to trunk release. Wait for the vehicle to slow down, and then pull the release.

Use the taillights.

If you can’t find the trunk release, start pulling back the carpet and look for the taillights. If you can, try to push out the lights so you can stick your hands out to signal for help. If this doesn’t work, start yanking out wires. Disconnecting the taillights will hopefully attract police attention.

Look for a tool.

Most trunks will have some type of tools that you might be able to use to your advantage. Search around for the car’s tire iron, which can be used to pry open the trunk latch, or to attack the kidnapper the moment he opens the trunk.

Keep Mentally and Physically Fit

If you’re in a situation where you have been held captive for a long period of time, you must remember to stay physically and mentally active. The longer you’re held in captivity, the more mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted you’re going to become. You cannot afford to give up, and you cannot afford to let your body and mind slip.

• It’s critical to stay mentally sharp. Do math problems, recall scriptures, write a novel inside your head, and go over escape plans: Do everything you can to stay mentally alert.
• Find ways to exercise. Your body needs to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, so you need to stay physically fit. This may be hard, but you need to find a way to work out. Do push ups, sit-ups, and any cardio activity you can manage to squeeze in.
• Set a schedule. If you can, try to set a schedule. This not only helps you stay sharp but can give you a sense of control that will have a calming effect. Set a time for working out, daydreaming, planning, praying, meditating, and any other small thing you might be allowed to do while being held captive.

Be Careful During Any Rescue Attempt

Rescue attempts can be almost as dangerous as the initial abduction. When police storm in, there is going to be a huge amount of chaos and confusion. Your best bet for surviving the situation is to immediately get down on the ground and avoid any sudden movements.