Experiencing abduction or detainment at the hands of criminals or terrorists is an inherently perilous and terrifying ordeal. Preparing for such a situation proves challenging by conventional standards, as the element of unpredictability looms large. When faced with a gunpoint scenario, be it during a robbery or orchestrated by political extremists, accessing your survival kit becomes an impractical feat.
In these dire circumstances, your reliance shifts to the resources immediately available—your sharp wits, keen powers of observation, and any foreknowledge you may possess. Despite the absence of a tangible survival kit, these mental tools can become your allies in navigating through the ordeal. Adaptability and quick thinking become your most valuable assets.
Additionally, cultivating situational awareness in your day-to-day life can enhance your ability to respond effectively during unforeseen events. Observing your surroundings, staying informed about potential risks, and developing a general sense of preparedness contribute to a proactive approach.
People are kidnapped every day
Every day, around 2,300 Americans are reported missing. In the year 2022, there were 378,637 missing persons under the age of 21 and 167,324 individuals aged 21 and above. Notably, the number of missing females surpassed that of males in both age categories.
Kidnapping is a common phenomenon in the United States and the numbers are rising from one year to another. For the latest and most accurate statistics, I recommend checking the official reports or databases provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) or other relevant law enforcement agencies. They typically release annual reports that detail crime rates and trends, including information on kidnapping occurrences in the United States.
So what can one do to stay safe when during a kidnapping situation?
Stay Calm and Stay Aware: Critical Steps in a Kidnapping Situation
In the initial moments of a kidnapping or hostage situation, the risk is highest. The motives of the kidnappers are unknown, and they have little insight into your capabilities or those of your fellow hostages. Panicking, acting unpredictably, or having emotional outbursts can draw unwanted attention and potentially make you a target.
Right from the beginning, it’s crucial to stay calm and observe your surroundings. Pay attention to every detail you can gather. This not only enhances your chances of escaping, should you decide to attempt it, but it also provides valuable information to the police.
This information can be instrumental in apprehending and convicting the kidnappers, ensuring justice and aiding in the resolution of the situation.
Avoid Focusing Only on Certain Things
Stay vigilant about your surroundings and the emotional state of those who have captured you. Constantly assess their intentions by utilizing the three stages of situational awareness: Perception — keenly observe every detail unfolding around you; Comprehension — process and comprehend the immediate and future risks and dangers; Projection — look ahead to potential outcomes and search for defensive opportunities.
Take note of critical information such as the number of attackers, their weaponry, and other specifics like the language they use, their stated or apparent motives, and any demands they make. If possible, gather details about the destination they’re taking you to. In scenarios where blindfolding occurs, some experts recommend tracking turns (both right and left) and estimating time intervals between them. This rough spatial awareness can provide a general idea of your potential destination.
Handle and Monitor Time Effectively
If anyone in your captive group possesses a watch, utilize this simple tool to keep track of the passing hours and days. Alternatively, in the absence of a watch, pay attention to the hours of daylight or note changes in temperature indicating day and night cycles. Observe patterns in your captors’ behavior, such as meal delivery times and the individuals involved. Recognizing scheduled activities can provide a potential advantage for escape attempts, allowing you to anticipate events and plan intelligently.
Drawing inspiration from famed racing driver Stirling Moss, who navigated the perilous racing years of the 1950s and ’60s, adapting to unexpected challenges is key. Moss’s survival technique during encounters with oil slicks involved intentionally inducing a controlled slide before reaching the slick. While the car remained out of control, Moss’s proactive approach made the situation less daunting. Similarly, tracking time, schedules, and activities transforms captivity from a passive to a more actively managed state.
Engage in daily mental exercises to keep your mind sharp and maintain perspective. Simple tasks like practicing multiplication tables, recalling quotes from literary works, or reconstructing conversations with loved ones contribute significantly to preserving mental acuity amidst challenging circumstances.
Be Aware of the Ultimate Goal
Consider the likely conclusion of your situation, understanding the motives behind your captors’ decision to take you hostage. In cases involving ransom, remember that your value to them lies in your being alive. Law enforcement and other authorities commonly advise cooperation to minimize harm and patiently wait for the ordeal to conclude.
If your captivity stems from criminal activities, recognize that your survival is directly linked to theirs. The threat of intervention by law enforcement adds a layer of complexity, making your continued existence vital for their own safety.
When dealing with political extremist groups, the dynamics become more intricate. Historical instances, such as the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979-81, exemplify situations where hostages were considered more valuable alive. Unfortunately, in contemporary times, the brutal killing of political hostages is employed as a terror tactic.
Evaluate the likelihood that your captors might resort to lethal measures, regardless of your compliance. This assessment goes beyond threats related to non-compliance. Utilize the third step in the situational awareness methodology: projection.
Once you’ve observed and comprehended the situation, project potential outcomes based on your understanding of captors and their motives. If a genuine belief forms that they intend to harm you irrespective of their demands, consider making every effort to escape, as there’s little to lose.
Monitor your captors’ behavior towards you for indications of heightened risk. If they withhold sustenance, engage in dehumanizing treatment, or no longer conceal their identities, these signs may suggest that the situation is concluding. Be prepared to take any necessary actions to escape if you genuinely believe they intend to inflict harm.
Establish Rapport with Captives
In situations where you’re held captive alongside others, forging a sense of solidarity among fellow captives is crucial. Building trust through open communication and sharing relevant information fosters a united front against captors. Identifying common goals, such as enduring captivity resiliently or seeking opportunities for escape, strengthens the bond within the group.
Coordination is key—working together to ration resources, collectively caring for physical and mental health, and strategizing on potential escape opportunities. A unified approach to dealing with captors, along with mutual support during distress, contributes to the group’s emotional well-being.
Leveraging diverse skills within the group and anticipating opportunities for escape as a collective increase the chances of successful execution. Security is paramount, requiring discretion in communication to avoid unnecessary attention. By establishing rapport and solidarity, captives create a support system that not only aids in navigating captivity but also enhances the group’s overall chances of survival and successful escape.
Stay Physically Active
Whether preparing for a potential escape or seeking to navigate the situation with reduced stress and fear, maintaining physical activity plays a pivotal role. Integrate exercises that are feasible within the available space.
Incorporate both cardiovascular (endurance) and strength training into your routine. Engage in activities such as jumping jacks, pushups, and isometrics (squeezing your hands together, pulling them apart), adapting to the space and circumstances.
Physical exercise serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it aids in combating feelings of depression, enhancing your mental well-being and keeping you more alert to your surroundings. Secondly, being in good physical shape could be a critical advantage if an opportunity arises for a strategic move, potentially playing a role in saving your life. Regular exercise not only contributes to mental resilience but also ensures that you are physically prepared to respond effectively when the need arises.
Avoid Drawing Attention
Minimize actions that might catch your captor’s notice. If you’re among fellow captives, strive to blend in seamlessly with the group. Avoid behaviors that could single you out for any reason. Most importantly, refrain from appearing as a troublemaker. Maintaining a low profile increases your chances of success if an escape opportunity arises, as it reduces the likelihood of extra scrutiny.
During interrogations, adopt a cooperative approach. Resist being confrontational or combative, even if it may seem appealing, inspired by scenes from spy movies where clever comebacks are delivered to super-villains. Argumentative behavior could lead to prolonged captivity or potential reprisals. Engage in casual conversation about inconsequential topics, but exercise caution when discussing more critical matters, such as their motives, whether political, criminal, or a combination of both.
Be wary of tactics like the “good cop/bad cop” routine, as criminals and terrorists may employ similar strategies. Staying inconspicuous and cooperative increases your chances of navigating captivity with minimal complications.
Avoid Becoming a Casualty During Rescue
The perilous moments of your captivity extend beyond the initial capture to the arrival of rescuers. While it may offer little comfort amid the extreme stress of hostage situations, remember that your value to abductors lies in your being alive. Their interest in preserving your life is undeniable. Experience has shown that, despite the hardships of captivity, the longer you endure, the higher the likelihood of a safe release.
During a rescue, drop to the floor and seek cover if possible. Stay vigilant about the source of any gunfire. Recognize that your captors, facing a dire situation, might resort to using you as a shield or harming you and other victims. Surviving the rescue is as critical as enduring the hostage situation.
Rescuers may not instantly identify you as a hostage. Unlike the movies where rescuers have scripted knowledge, real-life scenarios are dynamic. Understand that rescuers are driven by self-preservation, armed with automatic weapons. If they detain, search, or handcuff you, calmly repeat, preferably in their language, that you are one of the hostages and express gratitude for their rescue efforts. Over time, your identity will become apparent, bringing an end to the nightmare.
Concluding
In navigating challenging and perilous kidnapping situations, the collective insights shared here underscore the importance of preparedness, adaptability, and resilience. From strategies to enhance personal safety and survival during kidnappings to fostering solidarity with fellow captives, each suggestion aims to empower individuals facing adversity.
Key takeaways include the significance of maintaining situational awareness, both during captivity and potential rescue scenarios. Whether managing time, staying physically active, or blending in to avoid unnecessary attention, these strategies contribute to a proactive approach in the face of uncertainty.
Furthermore, recognizing the value of collaboration and rapport with fellow captives provides a foundation for collective strength. Sharing experiences, coordinating efforts, and preparing for opportunities collectively amplify the chances of survival and successful escape.
These insights serve as a comprehensive guide for individuals confronted with challenging circumstances. The overarching message emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and a resilient mindset, offering practical tools for those navigating difficult situations with the goal of increasing their chances of survival and eventual freedom.
Useful resources to check out:
Recommendations To Protect And Keep Seniors Safe In Their Homes
Knowledge to survive any medical crisis situation
Sexual Assault, Self-Protection Strategies For Women
How To Build The Invisible Root Cellar and use it as Safe Room