Avoiding Abduction & Assaults

Empowering You and Your Family with Life-Saving Self-Defense Knowledge

As the holiday season approaches, our world buzzes with excitement—shopping sprees, family gatherings, and festive cheer. But amid the joy, it's easy to let our guard down, especially in busy parking lots or crowded stores. That's why I'm sharing this comprehensive guide based on my anti-kidnapping, anti-abduction, and sexual assault class. Originally taught at events like Prepper Camp, this content is designed to equip you with practical, no-nonsense strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or anyone navigating today's risks, knowledge is your strongest weapon.

I've been training in martial arts since 2002, starting with Kuk Sool Won and expanding into Taekwondo (both Moo Duk Kwan and Kukkiwon styles), close-quarters combat, Brazilian and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, sports Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and now Krav Maga. If you're wondering which style to try, I recommend Krav Maga hands down. It integrates stand-up fighting, ground work, weapon defense, and real-world self-defense, pulling everything together cohesively. Schools offer free trials—grab your family and make it a bonding experience. Martial arts isn't just about punches; it's about building confidence, integrity, and resilience.

This guide preserves the full depth of the class, including stark statistics, personal anecdotes, and step-by-step techniques. It's long because every detail matters—lives depend on it. Let's dive in, eyes wide open, and turn awareness into action.

The Harsh Reality of Human Trafficking: Shining Light on the Darkness

Human trafficking isn't a relic of history; it's the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the U.S. today. When I researched Tim Ballard (the force behind The Sound of Freedom) for my Changing Earth Series novel Dark Days in Denver, I uncovered a gut-wrenching truth: over 300,000 people in the U.S. are enslaved right now. Slavery didn't end—it's evolved into a $150 billion industry (as of 2020-2021 data from sources like Valuetainment podcast episodes on the topic).

• Child Exploitation Stats: A child can be trafficked 30-40 times daily for 7-10 years. Once "used up," they're often discarded for organ harvesting or worse. Every 30 seconds, a child is trafficked (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children).

• Global and U.S. Scale: 40 million+ victims worldwide (International Labor Organization). A 30% spike in child trafficking since COVID-19. The U.S. is the top consumer of child pornography, with production and distribution rising exponentially.

• Border Crisis Impact: During open borders, hundreds of thousands of migrant children vanished, funneled into sex slavery and the porn industry. About 100,000 children missing from the border (data from a couple years ago—numbers have climbed). 18,000-20,000 slaves trafficked into the U.S. annually.

Mothers sometimes sell their own kids as a "meal ticket" amid financial desperation—utterly against biblical principles and heartbreaking. Trump made strides shutting down borders and exposing this during his first term, but we can't ignore it now. Silence breeds darkness; talking about it brings light. If we don't stand up, it festers.

Economic hardship targets the vulnerable: runaways, homeless youth, abuse survivors, immigrants, refugees. One in seven runaways ends up trafficked—get kids off the streets fast. 99% of victims are women and girls; 75% for sex trafficking. 80% of minors are 12+. That's prime age for parents to loosen reins ("You're old enough to go to the store alone"). Trust is great, but predators lurk. 80% of victims are never rescued—and survivors need lifelong support. Donate to orgs rebuilding their lives post-trafficking.

Perpetrator Profile: Typically males 18-35, unemployed, with alcohol/drug issues. They lure via fake jobs (modeling, acting, singing: "We'll make your kid a rock star—meet here"), debt bondage (e.g., smuggling immigrants who "owe" $15,000, hooked on drugs like fentanyl), or social media playgrounds.

Online Predators: Social Media's Dark Underbelly

Social media is a trafficking hotspot: 500,000 predators target kids daily. The FBI dedicates agents to pose as 12-year-olds in video games to catch them—it's rampant. 33% of internet sex crimes happen on social media; 48% of child kidnapping victims met captors there.

• Kids' Habits: 1 in 4 freely shares personal info online. 40% switch privacy from private to public on their own. 89% of online child sexual exploitation occurs in chat apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Snapchat (where messages vanish in minutes).

• Luring Stats: 1 in 33 kids lured into sexual chats or meetups via the internet.

Parenting Hacks:

• Keep computers in public spaces (e.g., my son's is in my office—easy walk-ins).

• No smartphones for young kids; opt for flip phones (they'll hack YouTube on it anyway, but it deters social media).

• Monitor phones: You're entitled to check. Pausing TV? Red flag—ask why.

• Ditch parental controls (prohibition failed historically); prioritize open talks. Kids outsmart us—they're digital natives.

• Limit info sharing; use aliases/fake emails. Facebook's reckless with data—it's a grooming site.

• Watch for grooming in games/YouTube (algorithms push non-wholesome "kid" content).

• Positive cloud seeding: Social media breeds keyboard warriors—I'm barely on it (most active on X).

Resource: Michael Loftus's website (michael-loftus.com)—a goldmine from a Boston boxer who taught self-defense pre-#MeToo. Great for family exercises.

Don't panic—web's for education/entertainment. Ask teachers about school programs; learn them yourself. Conversations at dinner build enlightened kids who self-monitor.

Parenting in a Predatory World: From Free-Range to Safe-Range

I grew up X-Gen: Mom booted us out to "pick mushrooms on the highway" till dark—free-range paradise. Then fear swung us to helicopter parenting, birthing entitled "wussies" who can't fend alone (showing up to job interviews with Mom?). Balance: Safe-range kids—lifeguard style. Observe from the edge, available but not hovering.

• Birthday party with 6 teen boys? I was nearby, not glued.

• Son going to a friend's? I tail discreetly; he checks in on arrival/departure.

• No more "don't see you till dark"—but explain why boundaries exist.

Myth: Telling kids about dangers scares them into paralysis. Wrong—they need realities to respect rules. No explanation? You're just "mean Mom." Practice techniques hard (I've choked out in class—hurts for days, but builds resilience). Cognitive dissonance preps them: Power through discomfort now, survive worse later.

Kids do dumb things—12,000 die yearly from unsupervised play; 9 million hospitalized. Unguided? 2.4 million to prison; 170,000+ overdose deaths (fentanyl surge).

Personal story: A family member's assault (he'd hurt others too). Silence left me vulnerable—my cousin intervened, but talking earlier could've prevented it. Break chains—share your experiences.

"Never Talk to Strangers" Myth: Not always. Teach: Don't get lured from your spot (e.g., slide = stay at slide). Seek women with kids if alone—but scammers adapt (videos show tag-teams: Fake "mom's friend" + accomplice).

Lures:

• "Lost puppy" (kids fall for it).

• "Help with my sling/books/trunk" (My helpful kids? Prime targets—now they grab a buddy first).

• Police impersonators (verify back-road stops; fake cop cars rising).

• Women with "extra" kids blending in.

Holiday tip: Situational awareness dips—focus on gifts, miss threats.

Parking Lots: High-Risk Hotspots and Immediate Defenses

Parking lots = abduction central. Ditch headphones/phones walking to your car—head on swivel.

Story: Martial arts teacher saw a family unload kids at Chick-fil-A, hand iPads, navigate traffic oblivious. Recipe for disaster.

Ukraine bus victim: Earbuds in, phone glued—ignored the creep behind her. Public transit rule: Back to wall, eyes on both directions (front seat if needed, but back's ideal for full view).

Tools (3-Second Access):

• Metal tac pen (grocery list disguise).

• Window breaker on keys (check legality).

• Keys as stabbers.

• Knife (mine's hip-holstered—thanks, co-host Chin!).

• Firearm last resort (close range? They grab it).

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Skip pepper spray (unpracticed, windy blowback, safety clips forgotten—buy two, train one). Tasers? Fragile, need charging. Car alarms? Ignored. Better: Amazon noise makers ("woo-woo") or survival whistles (free at Prepper Camp—hiking bonus).

If Approached:

• Never secondary location (car = secondary; 1 survivor in dozens I've met).

• Yell "Fire!" not "Help!" (phones record "help"; "fire" mobilizes).

• Kid: Circle car, climb under, pull fire alarm.

• In car: Grab wheel, kick driver/seat, blare horn, jump door (slow speed OK).

• Backseat: Kick front seat.

• Trunk: Fold-down seats (tough tied, but try).

• Be resistant—humans pick easy paths (blackberry bush vs. trail).

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Vehicles marked for later grabs (stickers/strings on windows)—inspect yours.

Backpacks/hoodies/jackets = handles. Teach: Ditch 'em—unbuckle/slip out, yell. Life > stuff.

Firearm threat? Prioritize no secondary (they'll torture more there). Your call—fight if shot risk beats abduction.

Sexual Assault Realities: Stats, Prevention, and Brutal Truths

1 in 5 girls, 1 in 10 boys sexually victimized before adulthood. 25.8% of sex offenders are juveniles (96% target peers; 90% forcible). Watch older siblings/friends.

U.S. Sex Offender Registry: 786,000+ (Feb 2023), +3% yearly. 237 per 100,000 residents. 29.6% distribute/manufacture child porn (U.S. #1 consumer).

Abusers often known (e.g., my uncle). Teach boundaries: Gym coach views OK, touches not. 34.1% victims under 12.

Unwelcome encounter? Men's anatomy = cartilage (like ears)—grab/rip if needed. Gross? They're the aggressor.

Dating Safety: No More Fairy-Tale Pickups

Drive/Uber/friend to dates—never him first time. Battle buddy ideal (double date). Tell someone plans + check-in call ("Home by 8, Sally!").

Drinking? Pre-plan ride. Open your own drinks (wipe rims—drugs via edges/balloons). Test kits: Nail polish/coasters detect drugs.

Story: Solo pool party girl blacked out—needle-pricked on arrival. Vigilance key.

Intuition off? Leave immediately. Consent revocable anytime (naked ≠ obligation).

Bars: Order "angel shot" (bartender code: Help! Google if clueless). Hand signals? None universal—fake "old friend" chat with a sheepdog (protector type) to deter stalkers. Battle buddy for runs; gym safer.

Captivity Control: Breaking Free Mentally and Physically

Traffickers use: Threats ("Kill family"), isolation, emotional manipulation, drugs, dehumanization ("No one wants you").

Stockholm syndrome hits fast (3-hour bank robbery hostages defended robber). Cities breed sociopaths—brains wired for 110-person tribes; millions overwhelm compassion (Ukraine bus stabbing: Bystanders froze).

Prisoner? Plan escape quietly. Befriend (push bounds), appeal compassion, stay stubbornly hopeful. WWII Polish survivor (name starts with F): "They took everything but my spirit." Go out fighting—mad dog mindset (90% will, 10% skill).

Escapes: Hands-On Techniques (Practice These!)

Recorded demos (no edits—real struggle shown):

Zip Ties:

• Paracord shoelaces (or stout laces; paracord necklaces/headwraps for kids—avoid stiff bracelets).

• Loop under hands, knot tight.

• Bicycle legs for friction + pull hands apart. Breaks any size—sweat helps. Life's worth the grind.

Duct Tape:

• Elbows flared (not straight—easy break).

• Tape on? Slam elbows to hips—snaps layers.

• Sweat/stretch undoes; rub on belt for friction. Crinkly tape tougher—persist.

Handcuffs:

• Pick with paperclip/soda can/bobby pin (filed) between teeth—push mechanism.

• But: Double-locks thwart (police-grade). Easier: Universal keys ($5/10-pack on Amazon—works ASP/S&W).

• Hide: Hat clip, purse, sewn in jeans/skirt patch. Bad guys use cheap ties/tape more.

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Making a Difference: Start at Home, Act as a Stranger

Home Front:

• Talk trafficking at dinner—brainstorm scenarios/tools.

• Dads: Positive role models (sheepdogs vs. wolves). Mutual respect in marriage (27 years for me—teamwork, no traditional roles).

• Moms: Present, loving—not meal tickets.

• Love + education = power.

Spotting Victims (Strangers Save Lives):

• Bus driver called out shady drop-off—ended hell.

• Flight attendant spotted uneasy kid—rescued from man.

• Signs: No docs/money/schedule control; abuse/malnutrition/hygiene issues; fear/submissiveness; scripted answers (re-ask basics—trips up).

• Living/working same spot? Red flag.

Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" (anonymous—alerts law enforcement). Play the PSA—save lives.

Final Charge: Warrior Mindset for a Safer World

Find a martial arts school—free weeks abound. Attitude wins: Exude "I'll blind/deafen/maim/kill" confidence. God's warriors defend His daughters (and sons, elderly—all).

Funny close: Bachelorette party in a "Deep City" bar—solo white gals amid tension. Guy asks if lesbian? "Yup—all my chicks; touch 'em, see me." Safe night—mindset ruled.

I'm prepping a kid-friendly version to spark talks (graphic-free). Kids love my classes—empower them.

Share this—post on YouTube (Author Sara F. Hathaway), changingearthseries.com, PBN. Shorts coming. Dream, survive, thrive.

Stay vigilant, tribe. Questions? Drop 'em below.