When 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her Salt Lake City bedroom in June 2002, the nation held its breath.
Her nine-month ordeal captivated America, but what happened after her rescue became equally remarkable.
Elizabeth Smart transformed from a kidnapping victim into one of the world’s most influential child safety advocates, author, and speaker.
Her journey demonstrates extraordinary resilience and the power of turning trauma into purpose.
This comprehensive guide explores the Elizabeth Smart story, her life today with her husband and family, the documentaries that chronicle her experience, and her ongoing impact on child protection laws and survivor support.
Story in Short
- Trauma doesn’t define your future
- Advocacy can transform personal pain into public good
- Education and awareness prevent victimization
- Survivors deserve support, not judgment
- Hope and healing are always possible
Who Is Elizabeth Smart?
Elizabeth Ann Smart is an American child safety activist, author, and television correspondent born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She grew up in a close-knit Mormon family as the second of six children to Ed and Lois Smart.
Her life changed forever at age 14 when she became a household name for reasons no family should experience.
Quick Facts About Elizabeth Smart
- Born: November 3, 1987
- Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Education: Brigham Young University (Music Education and Harp Performance)
- Profession: Activist, Author, Speaker, News Correspondent
- Known For: Child safety advocacy and survivor empowerment
- Current Role: President of Elizabeth Smart Foundation
The Elizabeth Smart Story: What Happened in 2002
The Abduction
On June 5, 2002, a man entered the Smart family home through an open window. Brian David Mitchell, a drifter who had briefly worked for the family, kidnapped Elizabeth at knifepoint while her younger sister Mary Katherine pretended to sleep in fear.
The abduction triggered one of the largest missing person searches in American history.
The Nine-Month Ordeal
Elizabeth endured unimaginable trauma during her captivity. Mitchell, along with his wife Wanda Barzee, held her captive in Utah and California.
She was:
- Forced into a polygamous “marriage” with her captor
- Subjected to repeated sexual assault
- Threatened with death if she tried to escape
- Moved between campsites to avoid detection
- Kept in disguise when appearing in public
Despite opportunities to escape, Elizabeth feared for her life and her family’s safety based on Mitchell’s threats.
The Miraculous Rescue
On March 12, 2003, alert citizens recognized Elizabeth walking on a street in Sandy, Utah, approximately 18 miles from her home. Her younger sister Mary Katherine had finally remembered where she recognized Mitchell from—he had worked at their home as “Emmanuel.”
Police approached the trio and Elizabeth confirmed her identity with the simple words: “Thou sayest.”
Life After Rescue: Healing and Transformation
Immediate Aftermath
Elizabeth’s rescue brought immense relief but also began a challenging recovery journey. She faced intense media scrutiny, trauma processing, and the difficult task of returning to normal teenage life.
Key aspects of her recovery included:
- Family support and counseling
- Returning to her faith community
- Resuming education
- Gradually sharing her story
Education and Personal Growth
Elizabeth didn’t let trauma define her future. She pursued higher education at Brigham Young University, studying music education and harp performance.
She served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, France, demonstrating her commitment to moving forward with purpose.
Elizabeth Smart’s Husband and Family Life
Meeting Matthew Gilmour
Elizabeth met Matthew Gilmour in Paris while serving her mission. Matthew, originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, was also serving a mission for the LDS Church.
Their connection was immediate and genuine, built on shared values and faith.
Marriage and Children
Elizabeth and Matthew married in February 2012 in a private ceremony at the Laie Hawaii Temple. Their relationship represents healing, normalcy, and the beautiful life Elizabeth built after trauma.
The couple has three children together:
- Chloe (born 2015)
- James (born 2017)
- Olivia (born 2018)
Matthew’s Role
Matthew Gilmour works in the financial sector and maintains a relatively private life, supporting Elizabeth’s advocacy work while protecting their family’s privacy.
Elizabeth often credits her husband with providing stability, love, and partnership as she continues her public mission.
Elizabeth Smart Documentaries and Media
Major Documentary Projects
Several documentaries have chronicled the Elizabeth Smart story, each offering different perspectives:
“I Am Elizabeth Smart” (2017)
- Lifetime network production
- Elizabeth serves as narrator and executive producer
- Provides her first-person account
- Includes never-before-shared details
- Emphasizes survivor perspective rather than victimhood
“Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography” (2017)
- A&E Biography special
- Features extensive interviews with Elizabeth
- Includes family perspectives
- Examines her transformation into an advocate
“Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case” (2020)
- Elizabeth interviews another kidnapping survivor
- Demonstrates her evolution as an advocate
- Available on Lifetime
Books Written by Elizabeth Smart
“My Story” (2013)
- Co-written with Chris Stewart
- Detailed account of her kidnapping and recovery
- New York Times bestseller
- Praised for honest, unflinching narrative
“Where There’s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up” (2018)
- Focuses on recovery and resilience
- Practical advice for trauma survivors
- Broader life lessons beyond her specific experience
Elizabeth Smart’s Advocacy Work
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation
Founded to promote child safety and support survivors, the foundation focuses on:
- Prevention education programs
- Supporting legislation for child protection
- Providing resources for families
- Empowering survivors to share their stories
Key Advocacy Initiatives
Radiate® Elizabeth’s signature program teaching children:
- Body safety and boundaries
- How to recognize dangerous situations
- Empowerment to say no
- Internet safety awareness
Legislative Impact Elizabeth has testified before Congress multiple times, influencing:
- Amber Alert improvements
- Sex offender registry reforms
- Survivor support services
- Pornography and child exploitation laws
Speaking Engagements
Elizabeth delivers speeches worldwide on:
- Trauma recovery
- Child safety
- Human trafficking awareness
- Resilience and hope
- Survivor empowerment
The Criminal Justice Process
Brian David Mitchell’s Trial
Mitchell was eventually found competent to stand trial after years of psychiatric evaluation. In 2010, he was convicted on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines.
Sentence: Life in prison without possibility of parole
Wanda Barzee’s Case
Barzee pleaded guilty to federal and state charges. She received a 15-year federal sentence and was released in 2018 after serving her time, sparking controversy and concern from Elizabeth and her family.
Elizabeth’s Participation
Elizabeth testified at both trials, demonstrating remarkable courage. Her victim impact statements were powerful, articulate, and focused on justice rather than revenge.
Impact on Child Safety and Missing Person Cases
Changes Elizabeth Influenced
Amber Alert Improvements
- Faster activation protocols
- Better coordination between agencies
- Expanded geographic coverage
Media Coverage Evolution
- More responsible reporting on child abductions
- Greater focus on prevention education
- Improved family privacy protections
Cultural Conversations Elizabeth helped shift discussions about:
- Victim-blaming narratives
- Purity culture and sexual assault
- Survivor agency and voice
- Mental health support for trauma victims
Elizabeth Smart Today: Current Work and Influence
Professional Roles
ABC News Correspondent Elizabeth serves as a contributor focusing on child safety and crime stories, bringing unique perspective and expertise.
Public Speaker She commands significant speaking fees and donates proceeds to charitable causes, reaching audiences worldwide.
Social Media Presence Elizabeth maintains active social media accounts sharing:
- Family moments
- Advocacy updates
- Safety tips
- Inspirational messages
Ongoing Challenges
Elizabeth continues advocating for:
- Better treatment of sex trafficking victims
- Improved mental health resources
- Stronger internet safety measures
- Support for families of missing children
Lessons from Elizabeth’s Story
For Parents and Caregivers
Elizabeth’s experience teaches crucial lessons:
- Trust children’s instincts about uncomfortable situations
- Maintain open communication without fear-based parenting
- Teach body autonomy early and consistently
- Don’t assume safety based on environment
- Educate about manipulation tactics predators use
For Survivors
Elizabeth’s message to other survivors emphasizes:
- Trauma doesn’t define your worth
- Recovery isn’t linear
- You can reclaim your narrative
- Professional help is strength, not weakness
- Life after trauma can be beautiful
For Communities
Communities learned:
- Stay vigilant without paranoia
- Report suspicious activity
- Support families without judgment
- Understand trauma’s long-term effects
- Prevention education works
Comparing Elizabeth’s Advocacy to Other Survivor Advocates
| Advocate | Focus Area | Unique Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Smart | Child abduction prevention | Legislative testimony, Radiate® program |
| Jaycee Dugard | Long-term captivity recovery | JAYC Foundation for trauma therapy |
| Amanda Berry | Missing persons awareness | Cleveland missing persons advocacy |
| Erin Merryn | Child sexual abuse prevention | Erin’s Law in 37+ states |
Each advocate brings unique perspectives, but Elizabeth’s combination of media presence, legislative influence, and educational programs creates comprehensive impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Smart
How old was Elizabeth Smart when she was kidnapped?
Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when Brian David Mitchell abducted her from her bedroom on June 5, 2002. She was held captive for nine months before her rescue on March 12, 2003, just months before her 16th birthday.
What does Elizabeth Smart do now?
Elizabeth Smart is a child safety activist, author, and ABC News correspondent. She runs the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, delivers speeches worldwide, and advocates for legislation protecting children. She also enjoys family life with her husband Matthew and their three children.
Are there any Elizabeth Smart documentaries?
Yes, several documentaries feature Elizabeth Smart’s story. The most notable is “I Am Elizabeth Smart” (2017) on Lifetime, where she serves as narrator and executive producer. A&E also produced “Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography” (2017), and she has appeared in numerous specials about child safety and survivor advocacy.
Where is Brian David Mitchell now?
Brian David Mitchell is serving a life sentence without possibility of parole in federal prison. He was convicted in 2010 on kidnapping charges and will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.
How did Elizabeth Smart escape?
Elizabeth didn’t technically escape. She was rescued when alert citizens recognized her walking in public with her captors in Sandy, Utah. Her younger sister Mary Katherine’s eventual identification of Mitchell as someone who had worked at their home proved crucial to the investigation that led to her recovery.
The Broader Context: Child Abduction Statistics and Prevention
Understanding the Reality
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:
- Approximately 800,000 children are reported missing annually in the United States
- Most are quickly found (runaway situations or family abductions)
- Stereotypical kidnappings by strangers represent a small percentage
- Education and awareness significantly reduce risk
Prevention Strategies Elizabeth Advocates
For Children:
- Trust your instincts about uncomfortable situations
- Know it’s okay to say no to adults
- Understand body boundaries
- Practice “what if” scenarios with parents
- Learn internet safety rules
For Parents:
- Know your children’s friends and their families
- Supervise internet and social media use
- Maintain open, non-judgmental communication
- Teach without creating excessive fear
- Have updated photos and information ready
Criticism and Controversies
Media Scrutiny
Elizabeth faced unfair scrutiny during and after her captivity, including:
- Questions about why she didn’t escape
- Inappropriate focus on religious aspects
- Invasion of privacy during recovery
- Misunderstanding of trauma responses
She’s addressed these issues publicly, educating people about trauma bonding, fear, and survival mechanisms.
Wanda Barzee’s Release
Barzee’s 2018 release sparked debate about:
- Sentence lengths for accomplices
- Public safety concerns
- Notification requirements
- Parole system effectiveness
Elizabeth advocated for stronger notification laws and expressed concern about Barzee’s release.
The Future: Elizabeth’s Ongoing Mission
Expanding Reach
Elizabeth continues growing her impact through:
- Digital education platforms
- International speaking engagements
- Partnerships with child safety organizations
- Media projects that educate and inspire
Next Generation Focus
Elizabeth emphasizes teaching the next generation:
- Digital citizenship and online safety
- Consent and boundary education
- Bystander intervention
- Mental health awareness
Legislative Goals
Future advocacy priorities include:
- Strengthening penalties for child exploitation
- Improving survivor support services
- Enhancing prevention education in schools
- Addressing technology’s role in trafficking
Conclusion: From Victim to Victor
The Elizabeth Smart story represents one of the most remarkable transformations in modern history. From a terrified 14-year-old girl abducted from her bedroom to a powerful advocate changing laws and saving lives, Elizabeth’s journey inspires millions.
Her marriage to Matthew Gilmour and their growing family demonstrate that trauma survivors can build beautiful, fulfilling lives. The various Elizabeth Smart documentaries and her written work ensure her message reaches diverse audiences worldwide.
Elizabeth’s legacy extends far beyond her personal story. Through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, legislative advocacy, and tireless public speaking, she’s created systemic change in how America approaches child safety, supports survivors, and prevents abductions.
Take Action Today
Support child safety in your community by:
- Learning about the Elizabeth Smart Foundation’s Radiate® program
- Teaching children about body autonomy and boundaries
- Supporting organizations fighting child exploitation
- Sharing Elizabeth’s message of hope with others
- Staying informed about child safety legislation
Elizabeth Smart’s story continues to unfold, but her impact is already immeasurable. She proves that even the darkest experiences can become beacons of light for others navigating their own journeys toward healing, justice, and hope.
Essie Walker is a versatile blogger and skilled wordsmith with a passion for storytelling.
Essie covers a wide range of topics on her blog, including lifestyle, wellness, travel, and technology, always striving to provide her readers with fresh perspectives and actionable insights
