The newly crowned Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza shared she was abducted a year and a half ago.

The announcement was made at a post-pageant press conference, where the beauty queen answered questions in both English and Spanish.

Kidnappings are common in Venezuela, where the 22-year-old winner comes from.

Concerning her personal bad experience, Mendoza issued a call for an end to violence in the world.

"You do not even have to have money to be kidnapped ... That's why I wanted to raise my voice and tell the world that violence is not the answer," Mendoza explained.

'I think the biggest lesson I have learnt is to compose myself in any situation.

Miss Mendoza was a victim of "express kidnappings" where victims are taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint.

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