Over two decades have passed since the harrowing abduction of Elizabeth Smart, an event that captured global attention and left a lasting impact on her life. Now, as the documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart streams on Netflix, viewers are delving into her story and wondering about her current circumstances.
From Trauma to Triumph: Elizabeth Smart's Journey
In June 2002, Elizabeth Smart, then just 14 years old, was taken from her bedroom in Utah during the night, with her younger sister Mary Katherine witnessing the terrifying incident in silence. The abductor, identified as Brian David Mitchell, along with his wife Wanda Barzee, held her captive for nine months, subjecting her to sexual abuse, as she later testified in court. After an extensive search, her family brought her home, and Mitchell and Barzee were convicted for their crimes.
Elizabeth Smart's Personal Life Today
Now 38 years old, Elizabeth Smart has built a fulfilling personal life far removed from the horrors of her past. She is married to Matthew Gilmour, whom she met in 2011 while on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris. The couple exchanged vows in 2012 and have since welcomed three children, forming a close-knit family of four residing in Wasatch County, Utah.
Matthew Gilmour shared insights with People magazine in 2012, highlighting his admiration for Elizabeth. He remarked, "I got to know her as she truly is. The thing that attracted me the most to her - at the beginning and now - is how confident she is, especially considering everything she has been through." This confidence has been a cornerstone of her resilience and growth.
Advocacy and Philanthropic Efforts
In an inspiring transformation, Elizabeth Smart has channelled her traumatic experience into a powerful force for good. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to combating sexual violence and exploitation through empowerment, advocacy, education, and survivor support. The foundation runs various programmes, including trauma-informed "Smart Defense" training designed for women, girls, and children to enhance their safety and self-defence skills.
Beyond her foundation, Elizabeth has been a key advocate for legislative changes aimed at protecting children and preventing abductions. She has championed initiatives such as:
- The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
- The National AMBER Alert system
- Other safety legislation focused on abduction prevention
Her collaborative efforts extend to working with fellow abduction survivors and the Department of Justice to create a supportive guide titled You're Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment. This resource is aimed at assisting children who have endured similar ordeals, offering hope and practical advice. Additionally, Elizabeth authored an uplifting book, Where There's Hope, which explores the process of overcoming trauma and finding resilience in the face of adversity.
Elizabeth Smart's life today stands as a testament to her strength and dedication, moving from victim to advocate and inspiring many with her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
