Surviving Kidnappers

Surviving Kidnappers is a detailed guide from conflict expert Olav Ofstad which takes readers through the process of kidnap survival, guiding them through the critical steps from assault through captivity to freedom. Key selling points: There is limited literature on how to survive kidnap; step-by-step guide through different phases of kidnap; author has experience training for kidnapping survival. What would you do if you were kidnapped? Starting with the assault, this book explains the mindset required to stay calm and make intelligent decisions. Moving on to the often gruelling transportation phase, advice is offered on how to brave it and pick up on crucial information. For the phase of captivity this book offers practical advice as well as mental activities that can reduce the risk of being traumatised. The author identifies closely with you as the reader, explaining in simple terms the practical application of social psychology, influencing the captor to your advantage and relating to angry and violent kidnappers. Protection tools and how to apply ‘diplomacy’ if violence occurs are presented.

Olav Ofstad is a Norwegian researcher and lawyer who has spent many years in different conflict areas working with embassies and international organisations. He has interviewed numerous kidnap victims, counselled victims of terror and offers training in kidnapping survival. Ofstad is the author of Conflict Management in International Missions, A Field Guide (Routledge, 2015) and has written conflict management books for training purposes in cooperation with the Norwegian Defence International Centre.