Eivind Ertesvag 
Elizabeth Smart (38) was kidnapped from her bedroom in Salt Lake City in 2002 and held captive for nine months. Now she is speaking openly about the abuse and trauma in a new documentary — hoping her story can help other survivors.
The story of Elizabeth Smart shocked the world when it first became known. She was just 14 years old when she was abducted in the middle of the night from her family’s home in Utah.
For months, she lived in captivity with Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. It wasn’t until nine months later that she was recognized on a street and finally rescued.
Now, more than two decades after the ordeal, she is sharing her story once again in the documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart.
Brutal months in captivity
In the documentary, Smart describes how life in captivity was filled with fear, control, and repeated abuse.
She says she often felt completely alone — even though she knew deep down that her family had never stopped searching for her.
One of the memories she shares is from the first assault after she was kidnapped.
– I could see blood running down my thighs. Then I passed out, she told People.
The experience continued to affect her long after she returned home.
Felt shame after being rescued
When Smart was finally rescued in March 2003, many people believed everything would immediately get better.
But the reality was far more complicated.
She says she struggled with feelings of shame for a long time — even though she knew what happened was not her fault.
– After I was rescued, I felt very embarrassed about what had happened to me.
In the years since, she has spoken openly about how difficult life after the rescue was, and why it is so important to talk about trauma.
Her family gave her strength
During captivity, one thought helped her hold on to hope: her family.
Her parents worked tirelessly to find their daughter, and the case received massive attention in American media.
When she was finally recognized on a street in Utah by someone who had seen her missing-person posters on television, the nightmare finally ended.
– It was one of the happiest days. I knew my family was the reason I wanted to survive.
Kidnapper Brian David Mitchell was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Dedicated her life to helping others
Today, Elizabeth Smart lives a very different life than she did as a teenager.
She is married and the mother of three children, and has become a strong voice for survivors of abuse and kidnapping.
Through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, she works to improve child safety and support people who have experienced similar trauma.
Her message is clear:
No one should have to face such experiences alone.
