Why kidnapping survival training?

This page outlines the challenges of kidnapping across four phases. Kidnapping Survival stands out for its unique training, primarily in the captivity phase: lessons from social psychology are drawn upon systematically to improve survival odds — an approach that is not common among trainers.

Kidnapping happens in many contexts. It may be a means to commit violence, to escape a crime scene or to extort ransom. In recent years some countries have seen an increase in so-called tiger kidnappings, where a senior executive or their family members are kidnapped for ransom. Kidnapping is often linked to hijacking.

Whatever the context, victims must try to avert violence, preserve their health and apply psychological influence to make the kidnappers treat them as well as possible.

Most kidnappings include four phases

1. The assault phase

The assault is a tremendous shock. The first challenge is to get control of one's own mind and focus on what is important there and then. Violence is a threat at this stage, and victims should know how to reduce the risk — through calm, body language and the application of certain techniques.

This is also the time to assess the possibility of escape. If violence seems likely, escape may be essential. If taken by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines, or by someone appearing to be a rapist, one would look for any possibility of escape. If taken hostage as a crew member on a ship in Nigeria while pirates unload the cargo, one would normally play it cool and wait for the likely release.

If escape is impossible, use this stage to observe: get the best possible impression of the kidnappers, their leader, significant traits and, if feasible, their identity. Note the time and place of the incident, as this may help in assessing where you are being taken.

2. The transportation phase

The victim is brought to the kidnappers' hideout. This phase can be gruelling: a victim may be injured, put in a cramped position, gagged or blindfolded. The main challenge is to stay composed and calm, and to make observations that could help in an escape or in later contact with the outside world. If possible, look out for escape opportunities on the way.

3. The captivity phase

Once captivity is a fact and the victim has to brave it out, there are a number of heavy challenges:

• Stress and the risk of trauma. There are important mental and practical tools one should know about.
• Unity and solidarity if abducted as a group. Kidnappers often try to split victims, and lack of unity sometimes has tragic effects.
• Angry kidnappers, psychopaths, violent attacks and torture. There are techniques for averting attacks — and victims should also know how to act after a violent attack.
• The use of psychological influence. Can we influence kidnappers to increase the chances of survival and reduce mistreatment? This is about social psychology, a science little known to most victims.

Some real-life examples illustrate this:

Sometimes victims use psychological tools unwittingly, by talent or intuition:

See also a striking dialogue from a hijacking at sea on The Science page.

Unfortunately, we cannot rely on talent or intuition to use such psychological tools. The challenges and tools above need explanation to be understood — as do a number of other essential tools. As most victims do not know them, they often make wrong choices, sometimes with tragic consequences.

4. The release phase

While most voluntary releases happen smoothly, such situations can be tense and dangerous, and knowing how to behave is essential. And what if an effort is made to free a victim by force? This is a very dramatic and confusing situation that sometimes ends tragically because victims do not know how to behave. Again, preparedness is essential.