How to Survive Being Kidnapped
In many countries, kidnapping and demanding ransom are a regular means of funding various political and paramilitary groups. It is also a regular means of perpetrating terror and attempting to control or influence the direction of an international issue. Current international statistics show that approximately two kidnappings happen every hour. If you are kidnapped, then give yourself the best chance to survive and secure your release.
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Instructions
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Acknowledge the risk of being kidnapped prior to traveling to an area where kidnapping is a known danger, and do what you can to prepare ahead of time. Get training information and documentation from specialists in international safety, such as the International News Safety Institute.
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Obtain insurance prior to traveling, especially when traveling overseas. Make sure a few key people know your whereabouts at all times so that in the event of your kidnapping someone will be alarmed and begin searching.
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Survey your surroundings once you have been kidnapped. Try to establish some kind of rapport with your captors, since most terrorists are unsure and quite nervous. Develop a relationship with other victims who survive if there are any.
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Remain calm and do not panic; if you panic you risk being harmed by your kidnappers. Avoid complaining or constant pleading, and only divulge information when asked.
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Remember that if you are used as a tool for obtaining ransom or bargaining that you will survive. Memorize any details of your captors and your environment to help if you are released.
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Learn the schedule of your captors and their schedules, when do they eat, sleep, etc. Try to remain physically and mentally acute. Get some sort of exercise (even if you are bound).
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Tips & Warnings
Do not scream incessantly or cry too much to your captors; you could risk being harmed.
Do not attempt to escape, since it could only strengthen your chances of being killed or harmed.
