June 16, 2008 - After the Miss Universe 2008 pageant a press conference was held where the newly crowned queen answered the questions in both English and Spanish.

22 year old Dayana Mendoza shared she was abducted a year and a half ago.

Kidnappings are common in Venezuela. Concerning her personal bad experience, Dayana 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," Dayana explained. I think the biggest lesson I have learnt is to compose myself in any situation.

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.