Elizabeth Smart is sharing her harrowing experience of abduction in a new Netflix documentary titled “Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart,” which is set to debut on January 21. At age 14, Smart was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home by Brian David Mitchell, a street preacher, on June 5, 2002. In the documentary, she recounts the trauma she endured and aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by sexual assault survivors.
Now 38, Smart has previously shared her story, authoring several bestselling books and establishing the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which provides support for victims of sexual violence. In this latest documentary, she hopes to shed light on the dark realities faced by victims, featuring perspectives from her family, witnesses, and law enforcement officials involved in her case.
During her nine-month captivity, Smart faced brutal treatment at the hands of Mitchell, including being raped multiple times a day and living in dire conditions. Reflecting on the day Mitchell declared they would get married, Smart recalls her disbelief. “He can’t be serious,” she remembers thinking. Her protests were met with threats, leaving her in a constant state of fear for her life and her family’s safety.
Smart’s story is not just about her past; it serves as a hopeful message for survivors everywhere. She emphasizes the importance of belief and support for victims, stating that while false reports are extremely rare, many survivors face skepticism and scrutiny. “I would rather believe someone and be wrong than never believe a victim,” she asserts.
In her advocacy work, Smart has witnessed the profound impact of trauma on survivors’ lives, describing it as a “living death” for many who struggle to reclaim their existence after such experiences. However, she also stresses the significance of hope, which played a crucial role in her survival. “Hope knowing that life is only going to get better,” she states, reinforcing that happiness is attainable for everyone.
By sharing her story through this documentary, Smart aims not only to provide insight into her personal journey but also to inspire resilience and support for others facing similar challenges.