The fear of being abducted is a real fear for women, especially black women. According to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, out of 613,000 people reported missing in the U.S. last year, 60% of that was comprised of people of color.
And of the estimated 613,000 people reported missing in the U.S. last year, about 60% were people of color. And if we went even further and researched how many black women are missing, the Black and missing foundation reported around 64,000 women and girls missing. 64,000. Black women only makeup 7% of the U.S. population, yet represent about 10% of missing person’s cases.
We can only imagine what we would do if we were in that situation, and pray that those we love and ourselves never are.
Being abducted is a situation we never want to consider and pray those we love never to have to endure. But it is our responsibility to be alert for ourselves and other women. I’ve found myself in situations that could have gone left if it wasn’t for women watching over me and me being observant of my situations. And for that, I’m forever grateful. With all the coverage from social media on our missing women, I decided to comprise some safety tips in order for us to remain aware. We don’t need more stories of black women missing – we need to protect each other.
Here are some tips to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe:
Switch up your routine.
Our lives are full of routine. We leave around the same time in the morning, take the same routes, and run the same errands. With that, we have to be mindful some people could be watching. To stay safe, try taking alternative ways! Abductors rely on routine and prey on women who have them. Don’t be pressured to small talk.
Avoid small talk.
Normally, you should avoid talking to strangers, but abductors can work in teams and recruit women to talk to women. They might try and use your phone or vent to you about relationship problems - especially in areas with little traffic and that aren't well lit. If you start to feel uncomfortable, let them know, and keep moving. It's better to be safe than sorry, and unfortunately, the times we're living in- we can't risk it.
Be prepared.
Self-defense products are a MUST have in case of emergencies. I used to use my keys like a dagger when walking around but realized that if attacked, they would have to get extremely close to me and even in that it was a 50% chance it would be ineffective. I switched to pepper spray which allows me to shoot from a distance if needed.
Here is a list of products you can educate yourself on and order off amazon! They have a ton of products that are surprisingly cheap- remember to read the reviews!
Share your location
Sharing your location with your friends and letting those you love know where you’re going at all times is great! It gives you peace of mind along with those who care about you! Again better safe than sorry.
Practice self-defense moves!
When you’re in fight mode, you want to know exactly what to do to escape. Get someone you can practice with or even take classes! Here are some YouTube videos of some common self-defense techniques!
Be aware of your surroundings.
Remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Look at the cars parked next to yours. Be alert if vans or bigger cars are next to you that weren't before. If you observe someone sitting in the passenger side, check to see if someone can walk you to your car. Abductors will try and sneak women from behind. If you find any item on your car, drive off and check at a later location when you're safe. They will use that as a way to distract you or lace the items- causing you to pass out. And always lock your doors when you get in your car.
Pay attention when taking Ubers/Lyfts
Always verify the license plate number before you get in the car, stay alert and aware if your driver starts making random turns or starting using back roads. If you feel unsafe, call the police immediately or have them drop you off wherever you are.
Here are some additional safety tips when taking Ubers.
Download Noonlight
This app is a must-have. It triggers an alarm that immediately alerts the emergency services of your location and where you’re headed. This app is perfect when you’re taking an uber and walking late at night. You can also have friends check your location through this app as well!
How to escape The Trunk of a Car
Hopefully, it never comes to this but always search for the release handle in the car. If it happens to be torn out- kick the taillight and wave to alert the cars behind, you. If you find the release, however, jump while the car is in motion. Waiting on the vehicle to stop would be unsafe because they might get out of the car and try to chase you.
Get a License to Carry
This one may be controversal and is certainly not for everyone. However, there has been a rise in the number of Black women acquiring firearms for their protection. When it comes to staying safe- this might be your last resort. Having a license to carry and practicing can help ease your mind as well.
Of course, there are more tips but these are just the basics so you can feel safe. No one wants to talk about abductions or sex trafficking, but these are real issues and real women are experiencing these situations. It is so important to stay safe and alert. Send this to women you love and also leave some other tips you have learned on how to stay safe below!
