Worst Case Scenario Survival Skills: How to Survive an Abduction

It's dark. You are alone and you walk out from the store front from a long day of shopping with your hands completely full of shopping bags. You can't remember where you parked. So, you begin to search for your car. You have already made your first mistake and can be an easy target for a predator and could face a possible abduction. So what can you do to avoid this scenario all together?

1. The buddy system-The first mistake that can make someone an easy target for abduction is shopping alone. If you shop with a buddy you are less likely an abduction target. Use the buddy system to your advantage. Park your vehicles together if you must drive seperately. Park very near each other if you are unable to park side by side. If you can ride together, even better.

2. Never walk to your car alone-If you do shop alone make sure you never walk out to your car alone. Even if you have to ask a store clerk or security guard to assist you with your bags and help you to your car, this is a much safer way to get to your car. Don't feel silly or stupid about asking for help. It is all about safety. Better safe than sorry. Why not ask for help if you have your hands full? Most clerks would jump at the opportunity to get out of the chaos of frantic customers fighting over merchandise for a moment to step outside.

3. Be aware of your surroundings- Make a note on a notepad detailing where you parked. This may sound cheesy, but if you have a terrible memory like I do write it down. Aisle J space 6, or something to that effect. You need to be focused and aware of your surroundings at all times. Any distraction can make you an easy target.

4. Carry mace- Keep it on your keychain. Keep it in the palm of your hand and ready for action. Know how to use it and don't hesitate or it could be used against you.

5. Use your keys as a weapon- Grip your keys individually between your fingers pointed outwards as you walk to your parking space. They can be used as a weapon if necessary.

6. Cell phone-Call someone and let them know you are done shopping! Or just pretend you are on the phone. You will be a much less likely target for abduction with a phone to your ear. At least keep the phone on and ready.

So what if you are actually abducted? How can you survive a worst case scenario?

If you are ever abducted following these rules will make it much more likely that you will escape or come out of the situation alive.

1. Fight dirty!- Scream, kick, bite, or pull hair. Assume they mean to kill you. Don't hold back. If they have a knife or gun on you assume they mean to harm you and kill you. If you are willing to take the risk of being stabbed over the risk of being dead, fight for everything you've got in you and hope they scare easily.

2. Make a scene- Yell Fire! People are going to look if you yell fire. If you yell help or rape people could be scared away. It is human nature to be scared. Envoke curiosity. Your chances of survival will be greater.

3. Run in a zig zag motion- If you can break free run in a zig zag motion. A running target is harder to aim at. Remember that this is your only chance to break free.

4. Get Out!-Do everything in your power to keep from being put into a vehicle or trunk. Your chances of survival decrease exponentially if this occurs.

5. Moving vehicle- If you are forced into a moving vehicle this is a very serious situation. If you can unlock your doors and jump out then do it! Assume that your abductor means to take you somewhere, do terrible things and then kill you. Chances are better that you won't die from jumping from a car. You will get hurt, but someone will see you and get help and you will scare off your attacker.

6. Stick your fingers out!- If you are stuck in the trunk use your fingers and wiggle them to get attention. Stick them through any holes or crevices so someone will see you and call the police.

7. Trunk release- Most newer model cars have a trunk release from the inside. The manufacturer's are now required to put these in all trunks as a safety device. Search for a lever and pop the trunk.

The most important thing you can do in these situations is to remain calm and use your head. Remember that you are in control. If you can hurt someone, maim them, or alarm them they might get scared away. Do everything in your power to get noticed and to get free.