WSET.com - ABC13Talking About Stranger Danger

Reporter: Rachel Schaerr | Videographer: Ira Quillen

Lynchburg, VA - Have you told your children what to do if someone tries to abduct them? Some organizations and classes could make the conversation a little easier.

The Escape School is a free national program that focuses on stranger abductions. In just one hour kids learn about the most common tricks abductors use to lure children away, the difference between "good" and "bad" strangers, and how to find help when they need it.

Paul Whitten is one of ten certified instructors in the state.

"We do them at schools, we'll do them for churches, scouting groups," he said.

They also suggest tips you may not always think of.

"If somebody comes up to a child on a bicycle we tell them hold onto that bike, don't let go," Whitten explains.

He also teaches the "velcro" method -- grabbing onto a different stranger for help.

"Of course you always hope it's not gonna happen to your child," said Caleb McAlister, a self defense instructor at The Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts in downtown Lynchburg.

But if you are attacked, McAlister says the first thing you should do is protect your neck. And if you're approached from behind, keep your hips low to knock your attacker off balance. If you're already on the ground, position your body to put pressure on one of their limbs. And if all else fails stick to the old fashioned method:

"Eyes and groin are never a bad thing if you're trying to get away," said McAlister.

Get more information on Escape School or make an appointment for them to speak to your kids on their website.