NoLongerAVictim.Today

Recently a young woman made national headlines for escaping an attempted kidnapping. She was put in a headlock and dragged outside in St. Augustine, Florida, following what police say was a robbery in an attempted abduction. The suspect tried to force her into a pickup truck and the woman tried (and succeeded!) to break free. She escaped with the suspect chasing right behind her. Later, the suspect fled the scene in the stolen truck. Police were able to track down the suspect and arrest him. Watch the video below to see the encounter.

What to Do If You are Kidnapped

According to the experts, this woman did everything right when attempting to escape her abductor…

• She was very loud and continued to be loud
• She fought hard
• She resisted as best as she could
• She fought until she was free

Now, if you think you will never be abducted or kidnapped, think again. According to World Population Review, the United States holds the kidnapping record for 2025 (as of this publication) at over 50,000+ victims. If you divide that number by 50 states, that is 1,000+ victims per state. Here are some other statistics about kidnapping:

• Globally, around 8 million kids disappear each year.
• Family kidnapping accounts for 49% of child kidnappings.
• New Mexico ranked first for kidnapping in the US. 
• Over 250,000 children went missing in Europe. 
• Teenagers (12 years or older) accounted for 81% of kidnapping victims
• 16,554 Americans were reported to be victims of human trafficking.
• Family members/caregivers accounted for 33% of human trafficking recruiters. 
• The most common type of human trafficking is sexual exploitation (92%).*

THE SAFEST TIME TO ESCAPE KIDNAPPING

Abuse and kidnapping almost always go hand-in-hand. The reason for this is because the captor/abuser may do anything and everything necessary to control their victim, which can result in a kidnap-type situation. The abuser may not let their victim leave without their supervision and/or will try to maintain physical control over their victim(s) at all costs. While the tips (along with the advice below) are primarily for abduction victims, it can also apply to victims of domestic violence looking for a way out of their situation.

The safest time to escape from kidnapping or abuse is when your captors are distracted, out of town or less vigilant. This could be due to a moment of fatigue, inattention, a need to be somewhere else, or a lack of focus on their surroundings. Here are some tips to identify and take advantage of these moments:

1) During the abduction – As you can see in the video above, the captor had more than just the kidnapping on his mind. The vehicle he was using was stolen (which he was probably already worried about getting caught with on some level). He was focused on opening the car door, which left him more physically vulnerable since he had to also focus on physically controlling her. When an abduction happens, one the most stressful moments for the captor is the moment when the abduction happens….they have to be worried not just about controlling the victim, but also potential witnesses/cameras and the getaway vehicle so they do not get caught. Ironically, this is the moment when the CAPTOR feels most vulnerable, so use that fact against them! Fight back as hard as you can, stay within sight and/or earshot of other people and physically resist them at THEIR weak moments (like when they are opening a door, grabbing their keys, etc.)

2) Out in Public – People are more likely to be abducted when they are alone since there are no witnesses to identify the captor or the details of the kidnapping. Do your best to stay around people as often as you can and try not to work somewhere where you are alone for long periods of time. If you are already in a hostage situation and your captor(s) take you out in public, try to slip a “HELP” note to a stranger. Depending on the person, they will do their best to help you, but try to give the note to a business manager or someone that has authority at that particular location.

OTHER ESCAPE & PREVENTION TIPS

Call 911

You can either dial the number directly, or (depending on the situation you are in and the type of phone you have) hit the power button on the side of your phone five times. This automatically triggers a 911 call and even if you cannot talk to the 911 dispatcher, they can listen in on your situation and send help.

Take Self-Defense Classes & Bulk Up

When you are trained in how to defend yourself, you are less likely to be abducted. Staying physically fit & strong is also the best way to stay safe. Whether it’s lifting weights or taking classes, stay moving! The more you build up your muscles, the stronger you become (both physically and mentally).

Stay Aware

Always be aware of your surroundings and who is nearby. Staying vigilant is the #1 way to stay safer.