Surviving a Hostage or Kidnapping Situation

The world is experiencing crime scenes day by day, sometimes more often than before. So, being kidnapped or abducted is not something that “only happens in the movies”. It will not happen to everyone, but if it happened to you, what would you do? Many victims have survived these extremely challenging situations. This article breaks down what you should do in such circumstances.

Behavioral suggestions when being abducted:

Kidnapping/abductions can happen almost anywhere, whether that be a public or secluded place.  You should always be aware of your surroundings especially when you are alone or in a vulnerable position. Observe whether or not there are fellow captives. Keep your head on a swivel, especially when in unfamiliar areas or in situations where you just have that gut feeling. If an abduction or kidnap should ever occur, these tips below could potentially save your life or someone else's.  

• First if an individual has cornered you. Stay calm. 
• Speak softly and politely to the person who has abducted you.
• Do not be abrasive or aggressive.
• Don't be belligerent or uncooperative.
• Follow the captors instructions, do not try to fight especially if outnumbered. 
• Cooperate with them, give them no reason to physically harm you.
• If they are professional, there is a chance they may sedate you. 
• Maintain a stable mental health and be self aware.
• Stay alert of a chance to attempt escape if the situations should arise. 

Instructions to follow for survival after being abducted:

If you ever get abducted or held hostage and moved to a new location, below are some more details on how to process these events and how to keep calm and learn the environment around you.  

• After reaching the destination, observe all things, sounds, turns taken. Background noises. 
• Don’t stress and keep calm. Do not think of the worst situation or scenario. Stay present in your mind and do not make any sudden moves.
• Passive cooperation is important and do as your abductors say. 
• Do not struggle to concentrate on surviving and remain calm. The more you will be relaxed, the more your brain can devise ways to escape, attempt strategies or how to break free.
• Be very observant. Memorize the schedule and pay attention to behavior patterns. Paying attention to behavior and your surrounding could mean the difference between life and death.
• Try to humanize them and the situation you are in. Making a human connection could make your chances of survival increase and be your best defense. Bringing up a universal subject like family can help.
• Do not be fearful of asking for anything you may need like medical attention or bathroom etc. Make requests in a calm manner. If you are in for a lengthy stay in captivity, it is important to try and stay healthy.
• Observe the alertness of your hostage takers and try to maintain the approximate time you have been held captive. 
• During interrogation, cooperate with them completely. Give short answers and do not draw attention to yourself.
• Most importantly, be patient. These situations normally end positively with your rescue being sooner than you expect or being released alive. Do not lose hope as time passes or succumb to sensations like Stockholm syndrome.

Rescue:

When you are being rescued, make sure to keep calm and stay low! Let the police or military do their job. The rescue team will find you and secure you. It will be a fast and frightening experience as guns might also most likely be pointed at you until they are sure you are not a threat.  

We understand that kidnapping situations are a terrifying experience, causing emotional instability with fear, anxiety, depression, etc., but showing passive behavior and waiting for the right time with optimistic hopes is the primary key to deal with a high stress situation such as being taken hostage. Knowing these survival skills in a kidnapping or hostage situation gives you more personal resources that can preserve your life.