Prevent Kidnappings
In order to prevent kidnappings, its important to know why they occur in the first place.
Abductions happen all over the world for various reasons: domestic disputes, ransom seekers or sexual predators. Make it a practice to follow these guidelines until its habit to prevent kidnappings. - Be Safe As I have previously harped: Be aware of your surroundings Keep your eyes moving, observing everything and everyone. Keep your ears sharp, listen- don't plug your ears with head phones.
- Follow your instincts Always listen to your gut instinct; it should always be taken seriously. It is a skill to be trusted and honed. If someone is following you and don't feel an immediate threat,turn and look them in the eye. They then know that you can identify their face and the you are not an easy target.
- Change your public routine occasionally When it comes to your route and times-- mix it up! If you were being watched it would make it more difficult for your abductors. If you're not being stalked, it could at least make life more interesting
- Have a plan Imagine how you would react to various abduction situations. The element of surprise will then switch to your favor if you don't have to try to think of something in the heat of the moment.
- Be ready to react Your hesitation could cost you your life! You have a plan, use it.
- Carry a security device A
personal alarm
that is activated by pulling a pin out. The intense siren noise should be enough to draw enough attention to prevent kidnappings. Weapons are useful only if you know how to use them. A
kubotan key fob
can be helpful if carried in your hand and ready.
Mace spray
or
tasers,
while effective when used properly, can be your worst enemy if taken from you and used against you.
- Run away In a kidnapping attempt the goal is to get away, not beat up the attacker. Once he/she lets go, run! Don't look back- we've seen that in the movies- it'll slow you down.
- Draw attention Scream "FIRE" or "CALL 911". People are less likely to come to your aid if you simply yell for help. Children should yell, "I'm being kidnapped!" or "I don't know this person!"
- Put something between the kidnapper and you Run into a crowd of people, in a busy street or anything that may slow him/her down.
- Grab onto something Grabbing onto a person would force them to get involved. Go for the stronger looking person. Grab a light pole, parking meter or anything. This technique should be taught to all children to prevent kidnappings.
- Fight as if your life depended on it It does. Fight dirty--aim for the eyes, nose, throat or groin. Use your knuckles, elbows, knees and feet. Flail your arms wildly to make it difficult for the abductor to keep hold of you.
If the attacker has a gun and is aiming it at you, focus on their face, not the gun. When you escape you will be able to identify them. Consider running despite the gun. The attacker could be bluffing. Do they really want to produce a gun shot to draw attention? Did they really want to shoot you? They wanted you alive or you would have already been shot. They may not be a good shot and can't hit you even if they tried if you were running (run in a zigzag pattern and to the closest cover).
The last thing to consider when facing the gun is: would you rather be shot than abducted? Consider the way most abductions end. Finding the victim's body after dying a particularly nasty torturous death. All women should consider this, make a decision and hope you never have to deal with it. Again, in the heat of the moment is no time to make any decisions. These techniques to prevent kidnappings or avoidabductions should be taught at all children as they are targets simply by the nature of their innocence. If you want to never be in the helpless situations often depicted on television and in the movies, familiarize yourself with these techniques and share them with your loved ones.
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