Author George Molho Shares His Story Of Kidnapping And Survival
STUDIO CITY (CBS) — George Molho, a kidnapping survivor discussed his story of survival on KCAL 9 Thursday.
Molho was kidnapped at the age of seven and tortured for a year by his own father. Molho detailed his experience in a new book, "Scarred."
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, every year in America an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing – that's more than 2,000 children each day.
Molho also shared tips on how to keep kids safe:
1. Teach child how to 'fib' on the phone or if approached by a stranger AND put them to the test by having a friend or co-worker call (someone they don't know), act as the stranger.
2. Communicate. Don't be afraid to talk about it because you think it's going to scare them. Better a little fear and being prepared then the unthinkable happen.
3. Trust your child's instincts. If they feel someone is strange or looking at them peculiarly trust them no matter who it is. If they feel something is wrong where you are at and they can't verbalize it then just trust their instincts.
4. Teach and introduce them to who they can interact with - whether it be in the neighborhood, park or even among close and distant family.
5. Don't open door to any strangers --- including anyone with a uniform on: Police. Officer, Fireman, Doctor or EMT in lab coats etc. Even if it's an officer they may not be legit.
6. Teach how to use 911 and that it is their friend and ally. Call if ANYTHING makes them uncomfortable or feeling insecure and afraid.
7. Teach them, train them and give them permission to defend themselves to avoid being kidnapped. This is very, very important. But it saves lives.
8. Make approved lists of people who will deliver any news to them. For example, if mom or dad are in trouble or hurt, only these people will know and will tell the child – even if Uncle Bob tries to tell them Mom is in the hospital and he/she needs to go with him, but he's not on the approved list, instruct your child NOT to go. This is a common trap kidnappers use.
9. Teach them to run if someone threatens them by saying if the child doesn't go with them that mom, dad, brother or sister will be harmed or killed because they have them. Make sure you have drilled it into the children that you will not be ever taken and are therefore always safe.
10. Teach how to make collect calls at a pay phone
11. Have them memorize your cell phone and home phone
12. Teach them how to text
13. Promise them that if anyone offers them candy, movies, toys etc., that not only should they not be talking to the stranger but that when they get home you'll give them DOUBLE of whatever they were teased with. Kidnappers continue to employ such tactics because they work. Kids love surprises, toys, candy, games etc.
14. Teach and train them to never give up, never stop thinking and never stop fighting to get away. Kidnappers want easy targets without drawing attention.
For more on Molho's story, click here.
