At a Glance
- Elizabeth Smart was abducted on June 5, 2002 and rescued after nine months.
- She survived daily rape, abuse, and starvation before being found near her home on March 12, 2003.
- Since her rescue, Smart has become a prominent victims-rights advocate, founded a nonprofit, and published memoirs.
- Why it matters: Her story illustrates the long-term impact of trauma and the power of resilience and advocacy.
Elizabeth Smart’s harrowing experience as a teenage kidnapping victim has turned her into a national voice for survivors. From a nine-month ordeal of daily rape and starvation to a life of advocacy and family, Smart’s story is both a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by young people and an inspiring testament to human endurance.
The Kidnapping and Rescue
In the early hours of June 5, 2002, 14-year-old Smart was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. Her sister, Mary Katherine, was the only witness to the abduction, and the case quickly drew national attention.
During the nine-month-long ordeal, Smart endured daily rape, physical abuse, and starvation. She described the experience as so devastating that she once contemplated suicide:
> “I felt like it would be better to be dead than to continue living being a rape victim, being a rape survivor,” she told an interview with fellow survivor Daisy Coleman.
The turning point came on March 12, 2003, when authorities found Smart only miles from her home in Sandy, Utah. A passerby recognized Mitchell walking with two women, and police confirmed the sighting after a composite sketch from America’s Most Wanted.
Her father, Ed Smart, recalled the moment:
> “I went over and put my arms around her and just started bawling. I held her back, looked her in the eyes, and said, ‘Is it really you, Elizabeth?'”
Life After the Trauma
After her rescue, Smart returned home, completed high school the following fall, and graduated from Brigham Young University. She later married Matthew Gilmour, whom she met in Paris in 2009, and together they have three children: Chloe, Olivia, and James.
She has spoken openly about the emotional rollercoaster she experiences:
> “I have great days. I have not good days. I’ve got three kids that I love and drive me crazy,” she told News Of Los Angeles in June 2024.
Smart also reflects on the significance of her rescue day:
> “March 12th is to me a reminder that miracles happen and that there are many good things to be grateful for,” she added.
Advocacy and Public Work
Smart’s experience propelled her into activism. She has been a vocal supporter of the AMBER Alert System and founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011, aiming to end sexual assault and victimization. The foundation also supports recovery programs for survivors.
She has produced a Lifetime movie, I Am Elizabeth Smart, and authored two books: her memoir in 2013 and Where There’s Hope, which details her journey.
Smart remains outspoken about the punishment of her captors. Mitchell is serving a life sentence, while Barzee was released in 2018 after a judge ruled she could be freed. Smart expressed concern over this decision:
> “To my knowledge she has neither complied with medication or treatment and as someone who has experienced first hand just how depraved she truly is, I believe her to be a threat and a danger not just to myself but to the community, any vulnerable person,” she said.
In May 2025, Barzee was arrested for entering a Salt Lake City park, a location she is legally barred from due to her status as a registered sex offender. Smart addressed the arrest on Instagram:
> “Wanda Barzee was recently arrested for entering a public park in Salt Lake City, a place where she’s legally barred from going because she’s a registered sex offender. Her justification was that she was commanded by the Lord, which unfortunately, is very familiar to me and is probably the most concerning thing, because that’s how they justified kidnapping me.”
The Long-Term Impact
Smart’s story is not just a tale of survival; it’s a narrative about the enduring effects of trauma and the importance of community support. She has used her platform to raise awareness, advocate for victims’ rights, and inspire others to find hope.
Her personal reflections show that while the past remains present, she continues to build a life filled with love and purpose:
> “My children have brought so much happiness and joy. To me, they’re the very definition of love,” she told News Of Los Angeles after welcoming her son.
Key Takeaways
- Elizabeth Smart endured a nine-month kidnapping marked by daily rape and starvation.
- She was rescued on March 12, 2003, near her home.
- Post-rescue, she became a leading advocate for victims’ rights, founded a nonprofit, and published memoirs.
- She remains vigilant about the safety of her community, especially concerning the release of her former captor, Wanda Barzee.
- Her story underscores the resilience of survivors and the ongoing need for support systems.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, consider reaching out to the Crisis Text Line by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741.
Final Thoughts
Elizabeth Smart’s journey from a teenage kidnapping victim to a prominent advocate showcases the profound impact of trauma and the power of perseverance. Her continued activism serves as a beacon for survivors worldwide, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope and change are possible.
