Elizabeth Smart, at the age of 14, was abducted by a street preacher wielding a knife while she slept in her Salt Lake City home in June 2002. The preacher, Brian David Mitchell, along with his wife Wanda Barzee, subjected Elizabeth to months of sexual abuse in a secluded camp in the woods. Mitchell reportedly used alcohol and drugs to control Elizabeth and threatened harm to anyone attempting to rescue her.
After being missing for nine months, Elizabeth was recognized by a viewer of America’s Most Wanted, leading to her rescue. Following her ordeal, Elizabeth struggled with shame and isolation but eventually founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to support other survivors of sexual abuse. Mitchell was later arrested, tried, and sentenced to life in prison, while Barzee received a 15-year sentence.
Reflecting on her experience, Elizabeth emphasized the importance of speaking out against sexual violence and removing the burden of shame from survivors. Her story has been adapted into a Netflix documentary titled Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, aiming to shed light on her journey and provide support to others who have faced similar traumas.