Alex's Answer
Was I almost kidnapped
Your Question
what should i do if a person with a white van that i dont know. stopped the car looked at me and pointed to get in, i said no and ran away. is that attempt of kidnapp? I think it is. as i startes running I came to a dead end and hid. Now he turned around and hapily im home. Im so scared.
Answer
Hey there, welcome to Ask Alex, one of the many free services for young people from ISPCC Childline.
First off, we want to say we’re really glad you reached out about this. It sounds like you had a really scary experience, and it’s completely understandable to feel frightened and shaken up by what happened. You did the right thing by saying no and running away when someone you don’t know tried to get you into their van. Your safety is the most important thing, and trusting your instincts in situations like this can be crucial.
It does sound like a very concerning situation and could indeed be an attempt at kidnapping. It’s important to take this seriously and consider reaching out to someone you trust, like a parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult, to let them know what happened. They can offer support and help you figure out what steps to take next.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation or feeling unsafe, remember that you can always contact the Gardaà at 999 or 112. They are there to help and can respond quickly to ensure your safety. You are never alone in dealing with something like this.
Additionally, if you need someone to talk to about what happened or any other concerns you have, the Childline team is here for you. We are available 24 hours a day, every day, and you can reach us for free at 1800 66 66 66 or through Live Chat at www.Childline.ie. We can offer support, guidance, and explore your options with you in a safe and confidential space. we are open 24-hours a day, every day!
It’s completely normal to feel scared and shaken after an experience like this, but please know that there are people who care about you and want to help you through it. Take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out for support whenever you need it.
Alex