An Ohio State student was kidnapped from Northwood Avenue, west of Indiana Avenue last Saturday, Nov. 5, according to a report from the Columbus Division of Police.
Three men abducted the victim in a vehicle from 3:40 a.m. until 4:20 a.m., when she was dropped off in Metzger Park in Westerville, according to NBC 4 News. The victim then fled to a nearby home for help.
The student was parking her car when she noticed an unlit automobile drive by. Within a minute, two men grabbed her from behind and shoved her into the vehicle, where they proceeded to rob, assault and molest her while shouting rape and death threats and holding a metal object to her neck, according to the report.
Another assault took place on Oct. 8 at 16th Avenue and High Street. In this incident, a female OSU student managed to successfully escape an attempted abduction. After she was approached and grabbed by an unidentified male, she screamed, fought free and fled to safety.
The student, who chose to remain anonymous, attributes her get away to the self-defense class she had taken at OSU.
“It just came to me naturally to flee the scene and scream,” she said. “I think the self-defense classes more or less give you confidence and make you aware of what’s going on. I knew right then I had to get away from the person and I was confident enough to do it.”
Self-defense classes certainly help, but if one does not have this background, other techniques can be learned to safely escape the situation, said Deborah Schipper, coordinator of OSU’s Rape Education and Prevention Program.
Often times, people think they are too paranoid in suspicious situations, Schipper said, but our instincts are there for a reason.
“Sometimes we’re too polite or embarrassed of yelling out loud, making a scene or jumping to conclusions,” she said. “The attackers actually use our inhibitions about making a scene against us, but yelling is a huge proponent of self-defense.”
The aggressor might also test their potential victim before they pursue them, Schipper said.
“Attacks are often preceded by conversation,” she said. “They’ll ask innocuous questions like ‘Do you know what time it is?’ or ‘Do you have a light?’ and while you’re thinking of how to answer, they’re now close enough to attack.”
To defend oneself, it is important to learn clever techniques that help fumble the attacker, Schipper said.
“Instead of becoming a deer in the headlights, give them options,” she said. “If they want your money or car, throw your purse or keys in one direction and run in the other. In that moment when they’re deciding what to do, you can make a run for it.”
Another on-guard technique is to prepare escape routes or defense mechanisms before you begin the walk home or start to park the car, Schipper said.
“Make a plan you can adapt quickly,” she said, “on what you would do if, indeed, someone popped up in front of you and said ‘Give me your money’ because that is not the time to plan.”
People often panic, but to escape an attacker, it’s crucial to make key decisions about where to flee for help, Schipper said.
“Pay attention to where you’re running,” she said. “Aim for a busy street or a group of people and yell ‘Call 911.’ In the movies, they’re always running in the wrong direction, like into the woods, but you want to go toward other people.”
When attacks are based solely on stealing one’s personal belongings, victims should exercise resistance cautiously, Schipper said. It might be difficult to hand over a wallet or an automobile, but it’s not worth the risk of getting hurt or killed, she said.
However, if the aggressor wants to isolate or seclude their victim, such as behind a building or into a car, this is the time to resist the attacker, Schipper said.
Walking in groups is important to prevent kidnapping, but self-assurance is one of the best ways to successfully escape the situation, said the student of the Oct. 8 incident.
“If someone gets too close to you, scream at them, kick them. Don’t let them mess with you,” she said. “Just remember to have confidence at all times.”
Personal composure shows awareness and control of the situation, Schipper said.
“While you’re walking, keep your head up, arms free, pay attention and be ready to run,” she said. “Acknowledge other people around you. If you pretend to ignore what’s going on, I think it tends to make you look less confident. Don’t act like they’re not there. Just walk with confidence, and if you have to, stop and look behind you along the way.”
Although the future of OSU’s crime scene is yet to be determined, students should know that an attack incident can, in fact, happen to them, said the student of the Oct. 8 incident.
“Whether I’m in my home, outside or on campus, I feel a little weary,” she said. “But my opinion of OSU’s safety hasn’t changed. I still think it’s a generally secure area. But overall, it’s not paranoia to be afraid on campus, it’s just a reality. You’re just not safe if you’re a woman and you’re alone. That’s just how it is.”
