Avoiding Abduction & Assaults
Updated: Oct 24
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. I started with Kuk Sool Won and expanded 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. When I researched it for my Changing Earth Series novel Dark Days in Denver, I uncovered a gut-wrenching truth: slavery didn't end, it evolved. Estimates vary by source. The National Human Trafficking Hotline and the International Labour Organization publish current numbers.
Global and U.S. Scale
There are over 40 million victims worldwide (International Labor Organization).
Who Is Targeted
Traffickers target people in difficult situations, including migrants and refugees who may owe debts to smugglers or fear contacting authorities. 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, and refugees. Get kids off the streets fast. Age 12 and up is prime time for parents to loosen the reins ("You're old enough to go to the store alone"). Trust is great, but predators lurk. Survivors need lifelong support, so consider donating to organizations rebuilding their lives.
Perpetrator Profile
Typically, perpetrators are males aged 18-35, unemployed, with alcohol or drug issues. They lure victims 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. The FBI dedicates agents to pose as 12-year-olds in video games to catch predators.
Kids' Habits
Many kids freely share personal information online, and some switch their privacy settings from private to public on their own. Exploitation often happens in chat apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, where messages vanish in minutes.
Luring Statistics
Kids are lured into sexual chats and meetups online more often than most parents realize.
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 information sharing; use aliases or fake emails.
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 and 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 six teen boys? I was nearby, not glued.
Son going to a friend's? I tail discreetly; he checks in on arrival and departure.
No more "don't see you till dark"—but explain why boundaries exist.
The Myth of Scaring Kids
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, and unsupervised play carries real risks. Kids left without guidance can end up in serious trouble, which is why the conversations matter.
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 true. 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).
Common 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 are 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 are abduction central. Ditch headphones and phones while walking to your car—keep your head on a swivel.
A Cautionary Story
A martial arts teacher saw a family unload kids at Chick-fil-A, hand iPads, and navigate traffic oblivious. Recipe for disaster.
Public Transit Rule
A Ukraine bus victim had earbuds in and was glued to her phone—she ignored the creep behind her. Public transit rule: Back to the wall, eyes on both directions (front seat if needed, but back's ideal for full view).
Tools for Defense (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 as a last resort (close range? They grab it).
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 go to a secondary location (car = secondary; one survivor in dozens I've met).
Yell "Fire!" not "Help!" (phones record "help"; "fire" mobilizes).
If a kid: Circle the car, climb under, pull the fire alarm.
In a car: Grab the wheel, kick the driver or seat, blare the horn, jump out (slow speed is okay).
Backseat: Kick the front seat.
Trunk: Fold-down seats (tough when tied, but try).
Be resistant—humans pick easy paths (blackberry bush vs. trail).
Vehicles marked for later grabs (stickers or strings on windows)—inspect yours. Backpacks, hoodies, and jackets can be handles. Teach kids to ditch them—unbuckle or slip out, yell. If threatened with a firearm, prioritize no secondary location (they'll torture more there). Your call—fight if the risk of being shot is less than abduction.
Sexual Assault Realities: Stats, Prevention, and Brutal Truths
One in five girls and one in ten boys are sexually victimized before adulthood. Watch older siblings and friends.
Abusers are often known (e.g., my uncle). Teach boundaries: Gym coach views are okay, but touches are not.
Unwelcome Encounters
If faced with an unwelcome encounter, remember that men's anatomy consists of cartilage (like ears)—grab or rip if needed. Gross? They're the aggressor.
Dating Safety: No More Fairy-Tale Pickups
Drive, Uber, or have a friend take you to dates—never let him pick you up the first time. A battle buddy is ideal (double date). Tell someone your plans and check in with a call ("Home by 8, Sally!").
Drinking Precautions
If drinking, pre-plan your ride. Open your own drinks (wipe rims—drugs can be slipped in via edges or balloons). Test kits: Nail polish or coasters can detect drugs.
A Cautionary Tale
A girl at a solo pool party blacked out—she was needle-pricked on arrival. Vigilance is key. If your intuition is off, leave immediately. Consent is revocable at any time (naked does not equal obligation).
Bar Safety
Order an "angel shot" (bartender code for help—Google if clueless). Hand signals? None are universal—fake a chat with a "sheepdog" (protector type) to deter stalkers. A battle buddy for runs or gym visits is safer.
Captivity Control: Breaking Free Mentally and Physically
Traffickers use threats ("Kill family"), isolation, emotional manipulation, drugs, and dehumanization ("No one wants you").
The Impact of Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm syndrome hits fast (3-hour bank robbery hostages defended their robber). Cities breed sociopaths—brains are wired for 110-person tribes; millions overwhelm compassion (as seen in the Ukraine bus stabbing: bystanders froze).
Planning an Escape
If you're a prisoner, plan your escape quietly. Befriend your captor (push boundaries), appeal to their compassion, and stay stubbornly hopeful. A WWII Polish survivor said, "They took everything but my spirit." Go out fighting—adopt a mad dog mindset (90% will, 10% skill).
Escapes: Hands-On Techniques (Practice These!)
Recorded demos (no edits—real struggle shown):
Zip Ties
Use paracord shoelaces (or stout laces; paracord necklaces or headwraps for kids—avoid stiff bracelets).
Loop under hands and knot tight.
Bicycle legs for friction and pull hands apart. This method breaks any size—sweat helps. Life's worth the grind.
Duct Tape
Keep elbows flared (not straight—easy to break).
If taped, slam elbows to hips—this snaps layers.
Sweat or stretch can undo the tape; rub it on your belt for friction. Crinkly tape is tougher—persist.
Handcuffs
Pick with a paperclip, soda can, or bobby pin (filed) between your teeth—push the mechanism.
But: Double-locks thwart (police-grade). Easier: Universal keys ($5 for a 10-pack on Amazon—works for ASP/S&W).
Hide them: Hat clip, purse, or sewn in jeans or skirt patch. Bad guys use cheap ties or tape more.
Making a Difference: Start at Home, Act as a Stranger
Home Front
Talk about trafficking at dinner—brainstorm scenarios and tools.
Dads: Be positive role models (sheepdogs vs. wolves). Mutual respect in marriage is crucial (27 years for me—teamwork, no traditional roles).
Moms: Be present and loving—not just meal tickets.
Love and education equal power.
Spotting Victims
Strangers can save lives. A bus driver called out a shady drop-off that ended a nightmare. A flight attendant spotted an uneasy kid and rescued them from a man. Signs to look for include no documents or money, schedule control, abuse, malnutrition, hygiene issues, fear, submissiveness, and scripted answers (re-ask basics to trip them up). Living or working in the same spot? That's a red flag.
Hotline
If you suspect trafficking, call the hotline at 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, or kill" confidence. God's warriors defend His daughters (and sons, elderly—all).
A funny close: At a bachelorette party in a bar, a group of us on our own. A guy asked if I was a lesbian? "Yup—all my chicks; touch 'em, see me." It was a 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 are coming. Dream, survive, thrive.
Stay vigilant, tribe. Questions? Drop them below.
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