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“By Flipping The Script, You’re Becoming Their Worst Nightmare” – Man Is Going Viral On TikTok For Sharing Advice On How To Act When Being Kidnapped
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“By Flipping The Script, You’re Becoming Their Worst Nightmare” – Man Is Going Viral On TikTok For Sharing Advice On How To Act When Being Kidnapped

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Kidnapping seems like the stuff of movies and TV shows—a plot point for our hero to save the victim and the day. The kidnappee comes out shaken but, thankfully, still alive. However, it’s far from being an element of fiction and the reality is much, much harsher.

Although no one wants to imagine it happening to them, it’s best to be prepared for this situation. A self-defense expert has gone viral on TikTok for his advice on what you should do when being kidnapped or abducted. He revealed his three top tips to survive and explained them more fully.

Check it out below and don’t forget to share the article too—it could help save lives.

More Info: TikTok | YouTube | Instagram

Image credits: dwselfdefense

@dwselfdefense♬ original sound – dw

There can be various motivations for abductions, and one of them is human trafficking. The US Department of Homeland Security defines it as the use of “force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act”. It’s difficult to identify the crime, however, as its victims are often unable to reach out for help due to fear of their abusers, disbelief of their situation, or even language barriers in international cases.

A 2018 report published by the Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC) highlights some frightening facts. About 78% of abductees forced into trafficking situations were women, with the most common reason being for sexual exploitation.

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A profile created by the CTDC said that the average victim was a single female, between 15-30 years of age. It also states that they are most commonly controlled by their traffickers through physical and psychological abuse, further threats, and by having their movements restricted.

@dwselfdefense shared his three top tips on what to do in a kidnapping situation

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People in the comments shared their views and best advice too

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@dwselfdefense has more great practical advice on his TikTok about staying safe

@dwselfdefenseSee bio for self-defense products♬ original sound – dw

@dwselfdefenseSee my bio for 15% off all Guard Dog self-defense products.♬ original sound – dw

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Innes M.

Innes M.

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Innes is a writer at Bored Panda. His work combines his passion for the weird and wonderful with helping others on their mission to learn. Outside of work, he loves exploring all kinds of music and will often listen to a new album every day.

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Innes M.

Innes M.

Author, Community member

Innes is a writer at Bored Panda. His work combines his passion for the weird and wonderful with helping others on their mission to learn. Outside of work, he loves exploring all kinds of music and will often listen to a new album every day.

Austėja Akavickaitė

Austėja Akavickaitė

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Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

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Austėja Akavickaitė

Austėja Akavickaitė

Author, Community member

Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Noise. In addition to going all psycho on them and lashing out like a fiend, make as much noise as you can to attract attention. Even if it’s just someone bothering you or a stranger getting way too close in a bar or movie theatre or walking down the street, any place where there are other people. If there aren’t any people where you are, change your route to head to the nearest crowd, or police station, or store. But yell and scream your head off, and say what’s happening (“I don’t know you, why are you following me?” “Get your hands off me!”—-Things like that).They’re banking on you being too embarrassed or scared to speak up, or you just wanting to get home, so yell your head off and fight like hell! Also, the thing about crashing the car if someone is making you drive to their preferred place—-crash it into the most public place you can. The middle of traffic, a store, a crowded street. Just be sure and try not to hurt anyone else—-or yourself—-when you do it. I mean, if you’re going to try to run a red light and have another car run into you, make sure they’re going to T-bone your car on the side where the kidnapper is sitting so they take the brunt of the collision and get pinned in or too hurt to move (or most preferably, BOTH), but you can get out of the car on your side. I like the idea of trying to get some of their DNA under your fingernails. In any scenario, if you can get a good deep scratch that puts blood and/or skin under your nails, it’s really definitive evidence who it was who attacked and/or tried to kidnap you. It’s likely these days that, if they’ve attempted this crime (or worse, succeeded) in the past twenty years or so, they and their DNA are in the database—-and they will be caught.

Frank Ropen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"MEN WILL NEVER ASK A RANDOM WOMEN FOR HELP!" Wrong. Doesn't mean you have to help, but some men ask.

Donkey boi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely, If I need help, I'm asking for it. I expect that some people will be uncomfortable and refuse. After all what could a 6'2'', large build (admittedly dodgy looking) man ever need help with? I won't hold it against you for saying no.

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scream bloody murder, fight/bite/kick, do not worry about causing a scene, but TRAIN. That way your shock wont' freeze you up. Please. Train. Run the drill by yourself if you hvae to, but please, do. It's like fire drills. Be insaner than you think you could ever be. Just In Case. Good self-defence instructors will run you through real-life scenario drills as "graduation". Parking garage, dark street, crowds, whole nine yards.

Caro Caro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah and it teaches you to be confident and that scares the bad guy away too.

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Tracy Sellars
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told if possible go for the weak points of the face. Eyes are fantastic, push hard, and slamming the base of palm (where it joins with arm) in upwards motion on nose or use elbow. Pull hair and ears, basically fight dirty. The moment you go for the face instinctively people will put both arms up to defend. Never just yell for help or scream people have a tendency not to want to get involved instead yell fire. People will pay attention. If driving speed, break laws, get other cars to notice you.

Donkey boi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always told my sisters, if it's squishy, squish it! Eyes, testicles & throat all squish very well and really hurt. For the nose it's often easier to make a fist and smash straight towards the centre of the nose, their reaction to move will often result in you hitting them on the bridge (Causing watering eyes and bleeding) or in the desired upwards motion. Never be afraid to headbutt, the average height difference usually results in you hitting a mans mouth, do it hard enough and you are guaranteeing pain and DNA evidence. But I cannot fully explain how debilitating a hard blow to the testicles it. We are talking unable to breathe properly, vomiting, immobilisation and pain that cannot be described (you can feel it all over).

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Kai Scadden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men don't ask for help usually,they swallow their pride and..watch a YouTube video on how to do it

Princess Bride
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women, trust your instincts (I don't think men have this as much). If a guy just creeps you out....for 'no reason,' RUN. Never engage. They take that as encouragement and that you 'like' them. Avoid that person at all costs.

ThatOneGirl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When in a dangerous situation where you need to fight, grab the person by the top of their ear and pull as hard as you can. It is surprisingly easy to rip someone's ear off, and the person will be immediately distracted by all of the blood and pain. Also, your elbow is your strongest bone, use it! (And don't' be afraid to make a scene!)

Hermione Granger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That one comment is right. Crash the car. You’ll be wearing your seatbelt, whoever carjacked you probably isn’t. You still may get injured, but you’ll be less injured than them.

Sarah Richardson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the comments ‘buy a gun’.... not an option for anyone outside the US. If you have a gun, most probably so do they. Another thing always said over here (UK), if you have an intruder in your house and you are threatened - go to your kitchen. You know where the knives are, they don’t

Daria Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very good advice, thank you! Hopefully, no one will ever need it though...

Cadmar Orion
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told that if someone is trying something, you should swear at the top of your lungs, people are more likely to look your way at swearing than screaming "help"

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true. A random weirdo was walking around in front of my apartment just swearing his head of for a long time. Turned out several people had already called the police and I got to watch the cops chase him down a parking lot. It was upsetting, but a teeny bit funny.

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Mazer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Listen to your “gut feelings”, have situational awareness. Too often our brains are so filled with what needs to get done, we walk around without paying attention to our immediate surroundings. I have witnessed it countless times, even had so much on my mind, I forgot where I parked my car at the mall. This is how people become a mark. I had a friend get into an elevator at her apartment complex. There was a man already in the car, she started to feel uncomfortable in his presence but did not want to insult him by leaving. I could not believe my ears!! I said, then make up an excuse, silly me, I forgot my grocery list, go on without me…better to insult someone than be a statistic

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had to fight off a big guy who was pulling me into a corner of a club (foam party, so obscured from view). I have never hit someone in the face harder in my life. The next morning, my knuckels were bruised. I fought for my life, because that is exactly what was at stake. I kicked and stomped and scratched and went almost feral. I am 5"4, he was at least 6"1. Needless to say he left me alone, we called the police and he got arrested.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh and another story, a few years later. I was at the cinema and this guy next to me started masturbating right next to me. I literally screamed through the entire theater "WHY ARE YOU JERKING OFF YOU DISGUSTING PIECE OF S**T". Everyone turned and looked and I suppose he didn't want *that* much attention. I stormed out to get security, they caught the guy trying to sneak out and people applauded when I came back. I also got free popcorn.

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Fei
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The things is, I've seen many news in my country that when someone trying to retaliate, the kidnapper would kill the target immediately or inflicting a fatal wound...

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would chose that over being kidnapped, tortured and locked away for god knows how long. I'd much rather it'd be quick.

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MooseyMouse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such victim-blaming rubbish. Many, many women, when assaulted, instinctively avoid "fight" or "flight" but instead choose "freeze" or "appease". Freeze means your body goes still and you sometimes feel very far away, as if it's happening to someone else. Appease means you comply to avoid confrontation and injury. Afterwards, a parade of people will tell you that you should have fought, and it makes you feel like you failed, even if your strategy worked and you survived.

Chonky Lilo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell them that you have diarrhea and you will definitely s**t in their vehicle if you get in it. Nobody wants s**t in their car.

Steve Wilson
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are in any way fearful for your life in any situation you are forced to endure repeatedly then by all means buy a gun & learn how to use it. Screw the laws. You have the right to live. If having a loaded weapon in your pocket makes you feel secure than so be it. If you ever have to use it let the newspapers talk about your upcoming trial instead of a story about finding your body in a ditch.

Julianne Hannes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a white woman with high anxiety and bad eye sight, the last thing I need is a gun

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Shine Caramia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Consider the sounds that you make. My kid was taught at school not to scream but instead to make a really loud moaning sound. It freaks people out because it's unnatural, and so they will get curious. The more eyes and ears involved, the less likely you'll get hurt.

AspieGirl88
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always carry a mini can of body-spray, which could easily be used to spray into the face/eyes of any potential attackers (& if you’re lucky enough to have a lighter in your bag, you also have your own mini flamethrower to scare multiple attackers off). 🙂🔥🤷‍♀️

Samantha Power
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a beautiful young woman who was walking across Clapham Common (London) during the lockdown. It is very dark at night. She was talking on her phone and may not have noticed she was being followed by a car. An off duty Policeman (who was licensed to carry a gun) stopped her, they were seen on CCTV and then vanished. He drove her to a distant location, raped and strangled her then burnt her body. He was found very quickly which is good. This was absolutely horrendous and put everyone here in shock. I often think about it, he is still in prison awaiting trial. He will not say why he did it, he was married with two children. Any advice which could avoid this situation is welcomed.

Draga Millani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but the secondary location things- I couldn't stop thinking about john mulaney.

Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "asking a woman for help" part really resonated with me. Pretty sure the neighbor lady (I lived in Seattle) was an almost victim of Ted Bundy back in the 70's. Some guy with a cast on his arm (a well known Bundy ploy) asked her for help getting something (groceries, I think?) into the back seat of his car, which was parked at the end of the lot where lighting was really dim. She thought something was off, but as we're taught from kindergarten, women don't want to seem "rude". So she just said she had shoulder problems, but would be happy to ask her husband to come help. (She wasn't married). Miraculously, he managed to get whatever it was into the backseat by himself and drove off. She fit his preferred target to a T - 20's, long hair parted in the middle, athletic build, etc. She ended up in therapy after he was caught.

Annamay Gambino
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kick scream bite spit scratch hit I taught all my kids this. Always fight. Better to be shot. TRUST NO ONE

Luke Oakridge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This seems like questionable advice. Yes, this would work in many cases. But if the kidnapper was taking you for ransom and would rather kill you than be caught, then you resisting would actually make it more likely that you'd be killed than if you'd gone with him.

DC
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree to noise. Doesn't work in the middle of night and nowhere, but everywhere else. But ... I do ask random people, some happen to be women, for help, like directions or so ... just so happens that I don't know every place work sends me to. Aiming for the eyes is also useful, as it not only may compromise their vision, but hurts truly bad. Ever compared the force you need to apply on your own eyeball until it starts hurting with the force your hands can apply? Tells you how it's gonna work. And DO NOT STOP until the opponent is, by whatever means, physically unable to follow and/or hurt you! If this includes breaking bones, it does. Not your decision to get into a fight with you, so you should get to decide the fight's outcome...

Erik Granqvist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Julius Caesar (yes, that guy) is probably the most infamous kidnapping victim. He was taken by pirates once in his youth. He got familiar with them and they all awaited the ransom to be paid. When the pirates got the ransom and let Caesar go, he promissed them to put every last one on a pole. When he got back to a city he drummed up a small army and went after the purates.pirates. He killed every last one of them and put them on a pole.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See? I told you I read this before. There's another post here somewhere about psychological tricks and how getting people to follow you when you talk to them and I commented 'you should never let them take you to a second location!'

Nothanks L. Walk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhh.... I don't mean to make light, but is it wise to yell 'fire' at gunpoint? I remember a joke about distracting a firing squad and getting away, using exactly that situation as a punchline.

Adrian
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are in dire straits and just have to get help - do not just stand by the road and wait for someone to stop. Instead run out (carefully) and make a car stop and help you. The chances of you picking a bad dude is far less than a bad dude picking you. And yes, scream "FIRE" loudly and repeatedly - it definitely works.

DM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly I had this convo with my tween daughter just the other day. I’m obsessed with crime shows ans d never use fear factor crap onto my kids but I do teach them how to survive the extremely rare chance this may happen and I emphasize rare. But this is true. Do what you can before the secondary location because your odds of surviving are way higher if they cannot get you to that secondary location and they are more likely to run. I agree if they were gunna kill you there, you’d probably already been killed. Give it your best to fight until death.

Sarah S
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead of yelling help start screaming as loud as you can your name, what's happening, and what this person looks like if there's nobody around - don't be afraid to run like hell & if you can - keep yelling.

aaaggg hhh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure future kidnappers will read this article and take steps to counter these measures.

Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make sure to act like a psyco. Kick, scream, go for the eyes, heck, the throat even, attack attack attack.

JessRS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, if you have a weapon like a knife, stab upwards (you'll find less resistance from bones than if you stab downwards).

Katie Leonard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always told my children that if anything like that should ever happen to them they have my permission to swear very loudly. Kids play all sorts of games so alot of their shouting can be ignored. If you hear a kid swearing there's no way you're not going to want to see what's going on.

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep a pair of pointy tweezers in my pocket ready to defend myself I used to carry a pen or sharpened pencil behind my ear in high school in case anyone tried to hurt me I could use it to stab them

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A small weapon can be like a file or a pair of pointy tweezers. You can't get in trouble for carrying it on you but it can hurt

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carry a small weapon on you when you go out alone, when you are going home or to your car have your keys ready and keep something sharp on your keychain to stab them with

Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

#3 is weird. Kidnapping is done to bribe money, then you get out alive, but here it isays you'll get killed anyway. Dubious advice. Kick them in the balls, they be be demobilised for a few seconds, then poke them in the eyes. Job done.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Natasha Kampush. Elisabeth Fritzl. Jaycee Dugard. Elisabeth Smart. Amanda Berry. Gina de Jesus. Michelle Knight. Madeleine McCann. No ransom was demanded for any of these people. Most of these survived, although we still not know what happened to Maddie. Please, please think before you say something so incredibly insensitive.

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Frank Ropen
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or keep mace on your keychain and be ready to press your car alarm

Amoureuse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, I'm curious. Is this kind of kidnapping and such a huge deal in USA? Or countries nearby? Having grown up in Northern Europe, we've had some kidnapping cases but not an extremely alarming amount (though of course the amount should be zero). I guess we mostly have cases in which the kidnapper and kidnappee know each other. It's couples that have serious issues and don't let the other partner leave etc. Or take their kids and don't let the other partner meet them.

Don't Look
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people watch too many movies. People go missing. Government employees with secret clearance are the most likely to get kidnapped (in a few foreign countries) and they have to have briefings before they go.

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BleeBloo
Community Member
3 years ago

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Yay, today's kidnaping advice article, right on schedule.

Aahzmandus Pervect
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

People, don't listen to advice from a man from TikTok.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People, don't listen to some rando saying we shouldn't listen to WHAT COULD SAVE OUR LIVES

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carry a gun, but it's in your holster or your purse, safety on, you're flat on the street, kissing pavement, and now the gun is in the bad guy's hand. Congratulations. source: Citizens Police Academy

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Filipe Vieira
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Fight the attacker fully naked, it always scares them off

Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Noise. In addition to going all psycho on them and lashing out like a fiend, make as much noise as you can to attract attention. Even if it’s just someone bothering you or a stranger getting way too close in a bar or movie theatre or walking down the street, any place where there are other people. If there aren’t any people where you are, change your route to head to the nearest crowd, or police station, or store. But yell and scream your head off, and say what’s happening (“I don’t know you, why are you following me?” “Get your hands off me!”—-Things like that).They’re banking on you being too embarrassed or scared to speak up, or you just wanting to get home, so yell your head off and fight like hell! Also, the thing about crashing the car if someone is making you drive to their preferred place—-crash it into the most public place you can. The middle of traffic, a store, a crowded street. Just be sure and try not to hurt anyone else—-or yourself—-when you do it. I mean, if you’re going to try to run a red light and have another car run into you, make sure they’re going to T-bone your car on the side where the kidnapper is sitting so they take the brunt of the collision and get pinned in or too hurt to move (or most preferably, BOTH), but you can get out of the car on your side. I like the idea of trying to get some of their DNA under your fingernails. In any scenario, if you can get a good deep scratch that puts blood and/or skin under your nails, it’s really definitive evidence who it was who attacked and/or tried to kidnap you. It’s likely these days that, if they’ve attempted this crime (or worse, succeeded) in the past twenty years or so, they and their DNA are in the database—-and they will be caught.

Frank Ropen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"MEN WILL NEVER ASK A RANDOM WOMEN FOR HELP!" Wrong. Doesn't mean you have to help, but some men ask.

Donkey boi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely, If I need help, I'm asking for it. I expect that some people will be uncomfortable and refuse. After all what could a 6'2'', large build (admittedly dodgy looking) man ever need help with? I won't hold it against you for saying no.

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scream bloody murder, fight/bite/kick, do not worry about causing a scene, but TRAIN. That way your shock wont' freeze you up. Please. Train. Run the drill by yourself if you hvae to, but please, do. It's like fire drills. Be insaner than you think you could ever be. Just In Case. Good self-defence instructors will run you through real-life scenario drills as "graduation". Parking garage, dark street, crowds, whole nine yards.

Caro Caro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah and it teaches you to be confident and that scares the bad guy away too.

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Tracy Sellars
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told if possible go for the weak points of the face. Eyes are fantastic, push hard, and slamming the base of palm (where it joins with arm) in upwards motion on nose or use elbow. Pull hair and ears, basically fight dirty. The moment you go for the face instinctively people will put both arms up to defend. Never just yell for help or scream people have a tendency not to want to get involved instead yell fire. People will pay attention. If driving speed, break laws, get other cars to notice you.

Donkey boi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always told my sisters, if it's squishy, squish it! Eyes, testicles & throat all squish very well and really hurt. For the nose it's often easier to make a fist and smash straight towards the centre of the nose, their reaction to move will often result in you hitting them on the bridge (Causing watering eyes and bleeding) or in the desired upwards motion. Never be afraid to headbutt, the average height difference usually results in you hitting a mans mouth, do it hard enough and you are guaranteeing pain and DNA evidence. But I cannot fully explain how debilitating a hard blow to the testicles it. We are talking unable to breathe properly, vomiting, immobilisation and pain that cannot be described (you can feel it all over).

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Kai Scadden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men don't ask for help usually,they swallow their pride and..watch a YouTube video on how to do it

Princess Bride
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women, trust your instincts (I don't think men have this as much). If a guy just creeps you out....for 'no reason,' RUN. Never engage. They take that as encouragement and that you 'like' them. Avoid that person at all costs.

ThatOneGirl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When in a dangerous situation where you need to fight, grab the person by the top of their ear and pull as hard as you can. It is surprisingly easy to rip someone's ear off, and the person will be immediately distracted by all of the blood and pain. Also, your elbow is your strongest bone, use it! (And don't' be afraid to make a scene!)

Hermione Granger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That one comment is right. Crash the car. You’ll be wearing your seatbelt, whoever carjacked you probably isn’t. You still may get injured, but you’ll be less injured than them.

Sarah Richardson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the comments ‘buy a gun’.... not an option for anyone outside the US. If you have a gun, most probably so do they. Another thing always said over here (UK), if you have an intruder in your house and you are threatened - go to your kitchen. You know where the knives are, they don’t

Daria Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very good advice, thank you! Hopefully, no one will ever need it though...

Cadmar Orion
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was told that if someone is trying something, you should swear at the top of your lungs, people are more likely to look your way at swearing than screaming "help"

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true. A random weirdo was walking around in front of my apartment just swearing his head of for a long time. Turned out several people had already called the police and I got to watch the cops chase him down a parking lot. It was upsetting, but a teeny bit funny.

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Mazer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Listen to your “gut feelings”, have situational awareness. Too often our brains are so filled with what needs to get done, we walk around without paying attention to our immediate surroundings. I have witnessed it countless times, even had so much on my mind, I forgot where I parked my car at the mall. This is how people become a mark. I had a friend get into an elevator at her apartment complex. There was a man already in the car, she started to feel uncomfortable in his presence but did not want to insult him by leaving. I could not believe my ears!! I said, then make up an excuse, silly me, I forgot my grocery list, go on without me…better to insult someone than be a statistic

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had to fight off a big guy who was pulling me into a corner of a club (foam party, so obscured from view). I have never hit someone in the face harder in my life. The next morning, my knuckels were bruised. I fought for my life, because that is exactly what was at stake. I kicked and stomped and scratched and went almost feral. I am 5"4, he was at least 6"1. Needless to say he left me alone, we called the police and he got arrested.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh and another story, a few years later. I was at the cinema and this guy next to me started masturbating right next to me. I literally screamed through the entire theater "WHY ARE YOU JERKING OFF YOU DISGUSTING PIECE OF S**T". Everyone turned and looked and I suppose he didn't want *that* much attention. I stormed out to get security, they caught the guy trying to sneak out and people applauded when I came back. I also got free popcorn.

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Fei
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The things is, I've seen many news in my country that when someone trying to retaliate, the kidnapper would kill the target immediately or inflicting a fatal wound...

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would chose that over being kidnapped, tortured and locked away for god knows how long. I'd much rather it'd be quick.

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MooseyMouse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such victim-blaming rubbish. Many, many women, when assaulted, instinctively avoid "fight" or "flight" but instead choose "freeze" or "appease". Freeze means your body goes still and you sometimes feel very far away, as if it's happening to someone else. Appease means you comply to avoid confrontation and injury. Afterwards, a parade of people will tell you that you should have fought, and it makes you feel like you failed, even if your strategy worked and you survived.

Chonky Lilo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell them that you have diarrhea and you will definitely s**t in their vehicle if you get in it. Nobody wants s**t in their car.

Steve Wilson
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are in any way fearful for your life in any situation you are forced to endure repeatedly then by all means buy a gun & learn how to use it. Screw the laws. You have the right to live. If having a loaded weapon in your pocket makes you feel secure than so be it. If you ever have to use it let the newspapers talk about your upcoming trial instead of a story about finding your body in a ditch.

Julianne Hannes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a white woman with high anxiety and bad eye sight, the last thing I need is a gun

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Shine Caramia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Consider the sounds that you make. My kid was taught at school not to scream but instead to make a really loud moaning sound. It freaks people out because it's unnatural, and so they will get curious. The more eyes and ears involved, the less likely you'll get hurt.

AspieGirl88
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always carry a mini can of body-spray, which could easily be used to spray into the face/eyes of any potential attackers (& if you’re lucky enough to have a lighter in your bag, you also have your own mini flamethrower to scare multiple attackers off). 🙂🔥🤷‍♀️

Samantha Power
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a beautiful young woman who was walking across Clapham Common (London) during the lockdown. It is very dark at night. She was talking on her phone and may not have noticed she was being followed by a car. An off duty Policeman (who was licensed to carry a gun) stopped her, they were seen on CCTV and then vanished. He drove her to a distant location, raped and strangled her then burnt her body. He was found very quickly which is good. This was absolutely horrendous and put everyone here in shock. I often think about it, he is still in prison awaiting trial. He will not say why he did it, he was married with two children. Any advice which could avoid this situation is welcomed.

Draga Millani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but the secondary location things- I couldn't stop thinking about john mulaney.

Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "asking a woman for help" part really resonated with me. Pretty sure the neighbor lady (I lived in Seattle) was an almost victim of Ted Bundy back in the 70's. Some guy with a cast on his arm (a well known Bundy ploy) asked her for help getting something (groceries, I think?) into the back seat of his car, which was parked at the end of the lot where lighting was really dim. She thought something was off, but as we're taught from kindergarten, women don't want to seem "rude". So she just said she had shoulder problems, but would be happy to ask her husband to come help. (She wasn't married). Miraculously, he managed to get whatever it was into the backseat by himself and drove off. She fit his preferred target to a T - 20's, long hair parted in the middle, athletic build, etc. She ended up in therapy after he was caught.

Annamay Gambino
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kick scream bite spit scratch hit I taught all my kids this. Always fight. Better to be shot. TRUST NO ONE

Luke Oakridge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This seems like questionable advice. Yes, this would work in many cases. But if the kidnapper was taking you for ransom and would rather kill you than be caught, then you resisting would actually make it more likely that you'd be killed than if you'd gone with him.

DC
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree to noise. Doesn't work in the middle of night and nowhere, but everywhere else. But ... I do ask random people, some happen to be women, for help, like directions or so ... just so happens that I don't know every place work sends me to. Aiming for the eyes is also useful, as it not only may compromise their vision, but hurts truly bad. Ever compared the force you need to apply on your own eyeball until it starts hurting with the force your hands can apply? Tells you how it's gonna work. And DO NOT STOP until the opponent is, by whatever means, physically unable to follow and/or hurt you! If this includes breaking bones, it does. Not your decision to get into a fight with you, so you should get to decide the fight's outcome...

Erik Granqvist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Julius Caesar (yes, that guy) is probably the most infamous kidnapping victim. He was taken by pirates once in his youth. He got familiar with them and they all awaited the ransom to be paid. When the pirates got the ransom and let Caesar go, he promissed them to put every last one on a pole. When he got back to a city he drummed up a small army and went after the purates.pirates. He killed every last one of them and put them on a pole.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See? I told you I read this before. There's another post here somewhere about psychological tricks and how getting people to follow you when you talk to them and I commented 'you should never let them take you to a second location!'

Nothanks L. Walk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhh.... I don't mean to make light, but is it wise to yell 'fire' at gunpoint? I remember a joke about distracting a firing squad and getting away, using exactly that situation as a punchline.

Adrian
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are in dire straits and just have to get help - do not just stand by the road and wait for someone to stop. Instead run out (carefully) and make a car stop and help you. The chances of you picking a bad dude is far less than a bad dude picking you. And yes, scream "FIRE" loudly and repeatedly - it definitely works.

DM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly I had this convo with my tween daughter just the other day. I’m obsessed with crime shows ans d never use fear factor crap onto my kids but I do teach them how to survive the extremely rare chance this may happen and I emphasize rare. But this is true. Do what you can before the secondary location because your odds of surviving are way higher if they cannot get you to that secondary location and they are more likely to run. I agree if they were gunna kill you there, you’d probably already been killed. Give it your best to fight until death.

Sarah S
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead of yelling help start screaming as loud as you can your name, what's happening, and what this person looks like if there's nobody around - don't be afraid to run like hell & if you can - keep yelling.

aaaggg hhh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure future kidnappers will read this article and take steps to counter these measures.

Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make sure to act like a psyco. Kick, scream, go for the eyes, heck, the throat even, attack attack attack.

JessRS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, if you have a weapon like a knife, stab upwards (you'll find less resistance from bones than if you stab downwards).

Katie Leonard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always told my children that if anything like that should ever happen to them they have my permission to swear very loudly. Kids play all sorts of games so alot of their shouting can be ignored. If you hear a kid swearing there's no way you're not going to want to see what's going on.

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep a pair of pointy tweezers in my pocket ready to defend myself I used to carry a pen or sharpened pencil behind my ear in high school in case anyone tried to hurt me I could use it to stab them

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A small weapon can be like a file or a pair of pointy tweezers. You can't get in trouble for carrying it on you but it can hurt

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carry a small weapon on you when you go out alone, when you are going home or to your car have your keys ready and keep something sharp on your keychain to stab them with

Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

#3 is weird. Kidnapping is done to bribe money, then you get out alive, but here it isays you'll get killed anyway. Dubious advice. Kick them in the balls, they be be demobilised for a few seconds, then poke them in the eyes. Job done.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Natasha Kampush. Elisabeth Fritzl. Jaycee Dugard. Elisabeth Smart. Amanda Berry. Gina de Jesus. Michelle Knight. Madeleine McCann. No ransom was demanded for any of these people. Most of these survived, although we still not know what happened to Maddie. Please, please think before you say something so incredibly insensitive.

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Frank Ropen
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

April T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or keep mace on your keychain and be ready to press your car alarm

Amoureuse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, I'm curious. Is this kind of kidnapping and such a huge deal in USA? Or countries nearby? Having grown up in Northern Europe, we've had some kidnapping cases but not an extremely alarming amount (though of course the amount should be zero). I guess we mostly have cases in which the kidnapper and kidnappee know each other. It's couples that have serious issues and don't let the other partner leave etc. Or take their kids and don't let the other partner meet them.

Don't Look
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people watch too many movies. People go missing. Government employees with secret clearance are the most likely to get kidnapped (in a few foreign countries) and they have to have briefings before they go.

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BleeBloo
Community Member
3 years ago

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Yay, today's kidnaping advice article, right on schedule.

Aahzmandus Pervect
Community Member
3 years ago

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People, don't listen to advice from a man from TikTok.

LesAnimaux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People, don't listen to some rando saying we shouldn't listen to WHAT COULD SAVE OUR LIVES

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carry a gun, but it's in your holster or your purse, safety on, you're flat on the street, kissing pavement, and now the gun is in the bad guy's hand. Congratulations. source: Citizens Police Academy

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Filipe Vieira
Community Member
3 years ago

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Fight the attacker fully naked, it always scares them off

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