How To Escape a Kidnapper As an Adult

Make a lot of noise. At the initial point of contact, your abductor’s biggest fear is having attention called to them. Raise enough of a ruckus and they may end up running away from you.

Fight back however you can – kick, bite, claw, or punch. Research shows you have a better chance of escaping a weaponless attacker by resisting. It may even be worth the risk if they’re brandishing a gun or knife, in order to prevent them taking you to a second location.

If the abductor gets you into a vehicle, try to jump out in a populated area where you can quickly get help. If you’re locked in a trunk, feel around for a latch to release the lock, or find the wire connected to the taillights and yank it hard enough to cause them to go out, which may attract a police officer.

If you’re in the car and can’t open a door to jump out, crash the car by yanking the steering wheel, or try to throw it into another gear. If your captor stops the car for any reason, jam something into the ignition so the car won’t restart.

Leave clues in the car, and wherever you’re taken along the way – a piece of jewelry, a clump of your hair, a distinctive button. They could help police pinpoint your location.

If they bring you to another location, keep your eyes open for possible escape routes. Flip the lights on and off repeatedly if you can; cops may recognize that as a distress signal. Observe your captor’s routine so you can gauge a good time to try to break free.

If you manage to dial 911, leave the phone connected, and then get away from it. If you don’t stay with the phone, the kidnapper might not notice it’s been dialed, and this could buy enough time for the police to trace your location.

Try to claw your attacker so that, if the worst happens, their DNA will be under your fingernails.