The chances of your being kidnapped or taken hostage are small.
If it does happen, your chances of survival are high. Kidnapping
is a terrifying experience, but you probably possess more
personal resources than you think to cope with the situation.
Remember, you are of value to those who are holding you only if
you are alive, and they want to keep you that way. Your best
defense is passive cooperation. The more time passes, the better
your chances of being released alive. Kidnapping can happen
anywhere -- you can be taken off the street, from a car, or from
your hotel room or residence. The best opportunity for escape is
in the beginning, during the confusion of the apprehension while
you are still in a public place. If escape is impossible or too
risky, you should nevertheless try to cause as much commotion as
safely possible to draw attention to the situation. You need to
make others aware that an abduction has taken place so that the
authorities are notified and the search can begin. Otherwise, it
could be