To the people who are confused on her nonchalant attitude and smile, Elizabeth has had years to come to terms with this. She has been through years of therapy. Did you expect her to stay a victim forever, trembling and scared? She has learned to talk about her experiences without crying and being happy that she survived them. She has learned to be strong and to have more power over them than they do over her. I'm happy for her. Secondly, for those questioning why she didn't scream, run, etc., it's really easy to say that when you haven't experienced what she has. Before I had an experience with sexual assault at 18, I used to say that I didn't understand why rape victims didn't scream, fight harder or run to the police right away. Then it happened to me. I understood completely. I didn't enjoy my experience or consent to it. But a blend of fear, humiliation, and irrational self blame kept me from fighting or saying anything later. You never can speak for victims until you are in their shoes. Don't assume.
John Tyson I hope you aren't implying that what happened to Elizabeth Smart wasn't sexual assault. That was blatant sexual assault and this seems an odd place to argue what qualifies tbh.... Anyway, I think that whenever someone is obviously uncomfortable/ pulling away from you/ making excuses for you to go away, it should be incredibly easy to know that they don't want to be touched intimately. In my case, the guy definitely knew I was uncomfortable and wanted to stop, but he pushed on regardless. I didn't scream or bolt away, but I communicated how uncomfortable and unwilling I was. No one defines my experiences for me so I call it sexual assault. You can call it what you want, but one thing is for sure: It was wrong.
Don't talk about something you know nothing about. I did say No. Albeit lightly. But I said it. Once. I didnt scream it, but it was loud enough for him to hear. I said I communicated I was unwilling didn't I? The fact that you would take MY ASSAULT as an affront on nice guys is disgusting. And it let's me know that you are one of those "nice guys" that use being a "nice guy" as a cover for how they are simply selfish undercover assholes who don't have the brashness to be pushy about it. So they blame the women who are taken advantage of and hurt by the more alpha grade of asshole. You are a beta asshole. Not a nice guy. A true "nice guy" wouldn't take my experiences with sexual assault and attempt to redefine them as invalid and an insult to their supposed niceness. I've come across a few men like you before and you are not worth debating about my personal experiences. I'm done responding to you, beta asshole. Have a nice night.
I am appalled at the comments saying anything negative about her. She went through unspeakable horror and lived to tell about it. This girl is nothing but a true inspiration.
U think the media and newscasters don't lie?? Ha!! Their very life is a lie. I'm ashamed I initially fell for this one too. Even bought her book. Smh.... Oh well
How you can go from being terrorized like that at 14 and recover to become a mature, calm, well spoken, thoughtful young woman is absolutely astonishing.
I am sure her experience would leave a scar in her adult psyche that the subconscious would push under, but her behaviour manifest as a conditioned response. Say like reflexive aversion to trauma experience, certain social encounters if the Present bears on the Past. It could be mistaken for an OCD that impaired social engagement at some level. Learned helplessness is a thing, Operant Conditioning is a thing, PTSD is a thing. What someone else would think odd to some degree, she may not even be aware as a triggered behaviour response. It could be anything, rejecting invitations to go out for a date wholesale or something.
Jury: Promise not to kidnap another girl for rape if we release you? .... Meanwhile kidnapped girls beg their kidnappers to be released every single day. THEY SHOULD CRUSH A BONE IN HER BODY EVERY SINGLE DAY IN PRISON, NOT LET HER FREELY WALK AMONGST CIVILISED PEOPLE!
Yo David.. hound dogs would have sniffed there way to the camp.. few miles up the hill, the scent would have been off-the-wall obvious & Ricci would have never been contacted (why no dogs) (& Lay off hound dogging Jennifer 😂
@@ltcavret7574 actually often, in very violent crime's associates that had a much lesser role are given leniency to testify. This is an acceptable moral practice because the burden of proof is very high and prosecutors often don't want to leave room for a technical acquittal.
Who agreed to be raped daily for 1 year for a worm. Is this being decent to you? Decent is to fight to the death for something greater than life itself!
@@xtzyshuadog im not into race bullshit. But ur 100% right What sould we do about it? Collective suicide? Because let me tell u this isnt going to change
I was sexually abused from age 7 till age 15. The man was a family friend and would always tell me he would kill me and my mother. I dont know exactly what she went through but I know the fear she felt. She is truly lucky she made it out alive. I have so much respect for her.
I had a stepdad that beat me with a belt at age 8 from my neck to my ankles until I was bleeding. My mother was in the next room and never stopped him. I felt so sorry for myself my whole life over this until I was 35 years old, and my sister who is 5 years older than me told me he had raped her many times. Suddenly her messed up life made sense. Suddenly my past didn't seem so bad. I am 61 now, and I raised my sons alone in a small town, and had two little girls adopt me ; ). All 4 are happy, now in their late 30's. I came out the winner, and I hope you did too. Don't let that man define you!
I am sorry you went through that No one deserves to be abused, sexually abused and their childhood be taken away. I was also raped at the age of 7 multiple times by the teenage son of my parents friends. He was 18 and threatened me with killing my family. He also lived 3 apartments down and was in my home often. So I kept quiet for 5 years until I finally told my parents. By this time we were living a different state. However, that’s whole time and even after I would have nightmares of my parents dying. This made his threats feel more realistic.
Elizabeth is truly a graceful young lady . I ran into her here in Utah at Costco and she was very kind to me when I approached her to tell her that I have a son who has been missing since November 2014 . She even asked me if there was something she or her family can do to help . I told her yes ...Pray and ask the Lord to give me closure.
Do not judge her because she's not reacting the way you want her to. im so happy she's able to smile again. if you watch her interview with Nancy grace, she can't really smile and she dosen't even want to talk about it. after 10 years im glad she can be happy again.
labobo as a survivor I am still healing..trauma is so hard to overcome, after 2 years I feel like I gotten worse and very depressed, feelings of worthlessness and shame, but after a certain time I feel like healing means for me as it not affecting my daily life, and I feel hopeless sometimes because overcoming this depression is overwhelming and something that I need to work on
5 ปีที่แล้ว +1
@@lovelyyone1320 On several versions of anti-depressant, medication against anxiety and must use sleeping pills or I will stay awake until I drop. Self-destructive, alcoholic and suicidal. Don't see a way out of it. Alcohol helps, it makes me not care and everything feels numb. Being drunk is like a vacation. Have already had liver inflammation. Next stage is alcoholic cirrhosis. I know alcohol is a depressant. Started to drink when I lost hope in the doctors and the medicine. Never get anything that works.
@ Please don't give up hope!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mental health agencies are now based on trauma informed care. I attend a group for PTSD. Very helpful. Alcohol will make you more depressed. If you drink for anxiety, when the alcohol wears off, you will be more anxious than when you started. Don't let yourself get stuck in a vicious cycle. Most importantly, love yourself! Affirmations can help!!
What an incredible woman. She’s been through absolute hell during her formative years yet she has come through it so strong and is helping others. She’s an inspiration to anyone who has been through trauma.
Smh, some people saying "why didn't she scream, why didn't she run?" you're forgetting she was a little girl, she was terrified, he threatened her family, until you've been in that type of situation how can you say what she could have.should have done?
Also, stating that she had a knife to her throat!! He was threatening her and her Family!!! So, I would say she was completely horrified and ABSOLUTELY scared to death!!!!
She is absolutely a beautiful soul. I've been a victim myself. I haven't been through as much as this young woman but I did become a survivor...no longer a victim. Don't judge something you haven't been through or understand. I'm so glad she can talk about all that has happened to her and still smile. She has such strength and an amazingly big heart.
You are being extremely judgmental right now! How do you know people are being "judgmental" and how do you know they "don't understand" it? That is EXTREMELY judgmental!! You do not have to BE raped or kidnapped to have an opinion about the subject! People cannot feel what she felt but they can certainly empathize with it on a human level; while some people can understand it more than others due to their various personal experiences. I can certainly relate to her on an emotional level has a healthy human being. If you take her word for it, as I do, that she is trying to help people, then it is NATURAL that people and reporters are going to have all kinds of questions, and it is incumbent upon Elizabeth to answer them, because she is the one who decided to go public!! I really don't understand who the hell you think YOU are?!
The original investigation was a mess. I was on the search team. Me and my buddy Dan Zaugg were prevented from searching the canyon where she was. I'll never forget that.
@Angel. What's good is that she is safe 18 years later and outgrew that tragedy, no matter what. And the case gives us ground to restructure the LDS church.
@@MrDanSchulte. Good questions. Personally, I'll never forget when me & my friend Dan Zaugg were told we couldn't search the canyon where we all later learned she had been absconded with by the false christ.
Because pretty girls are actively pursued and then experience real hurt. Plain girls have sad stories too of loneliness and unmet needs. You just never hear about them.
Why is it that people always want to negate another person's experience? I wonder how "you" would have handled some man with a knife to your neck and being repeatedly raped every day? So don't sit there in your plush sofas, eating your TV dinners, crtizing a girl who has been through hell!!!
+Edie Del Carmen Probably because they are jealous. She is smart, she is happy, she is beautiful, and she is getting attention, so they have to say something nasty.
WishesSailorMoon agree. it took a lot of courage that i cudnt imagine i would ever have to come out and talk about that. let alone reaching out to help. shes a star
@@Kimberly1Lily It is not about being "hateful." It's just that many people including myself believe there is much more to the story. I think if more people read into the details of the case and put their emotions to the side for 5 minutes they might realize it too. Also, Elizabeth is not a 14 year old girl anymore. She is and adult and speaking publicly about what had happened. If people have feel that parts of her story do not add up and believe she is not telling the entire truth, then that is their right to feel that way. Elizabeth Smart is not beyond reproach.
@@Earthtime3978 what a stupid and ignorant comment, u rlly missed the message of the video and clearly have no sympathy. How can u compare a male victim of a sex crime to a small girl getting kidnapped at knife point by a homeless man and raped everyday for 9 months in a forest. Double standards don’t apply here.
@@reek4062 at age 5 u can yell to strangers for help this woman was 14 in a Walmart and pretended she don’t know English she definitely misses them lol
Person: Why didn't you escape? Why didn't you scream? Why didn't you call for help? Why did you let him take you? Also that person: Never had the experience
Ron Dale her kidnappers told her she and her family would be killed if she ever told anyone who she was. she was forced to stay silent for 9 months. if you see the video near the end, she tells the interviewer that her kidnapper told her he would rape her and he did and more. who was to say he wouldn’t kill her family? she was so scared that she couldn’t get the words out when she had a chance to escape. and she did try to escape a few times and she was caught and threatened. that’s traumatic.
@M.r. Moon They're a bunch of weirdos and I remember thinking this story didn't make sense when it first happened 17 years ago. The 7 year old little sister suddenly thinks she recognizes the kidnappers voice 9 months later. Bullshit.
***** wtf. u srsly need to get a life!!... There is psychological evidence of her being raped by her captors. she was a 14 year old girl abducted by her captors frm her home. Her rapist had a history of sexual violence and u have the audacity to claim it wasn't anything to her ?!! Srsly wtf is wrong with u ppl?! How can u be so heartless n disregard someones personal trauma for no rhyme or reason?! Wat Michelle Knight and Elizabeth Smart dealt with are anything but horrifying. To compare the 2 and claim that one story is REAL and the other is not is ridiculous and ignorant
+Eggroll Its not gods fault that bad things happen.. he can't control such evil.. we all have are own choices in life.. and clearly these 2 idiots chose to be evil Ass holes..
I don't personally believe in god but you do realize that god created everything including murderers, pedophiles, etc if god doesn't have the power to stop this shit why worship him if he just sits around and doesn't do shit. I used to believe in god i prayed a few times when shit was rough nothing good ever came for me and i can understand that he can't worry about me when there are so many fucked up things happening in the world but God let's this shit happen even though he is the almighty creator that literally made us yet he can't save a girl from being kidnapped and raped? if i was god i would've struck all these fucked up people with a lightning bolt, drop a fucking feast down to little kids in Africa and make it raaaain (money) on all the poor people among other things like make Bernie Sanders prez and the complete Legalization of Marijuana but i'm not God. My point is God isn't worth worshiping because he can't help anyone.Julie Johnson
Julie Johnson I also believe that a lot of people are born like that some choose to do it but people don't just all of a sudden decide to want to do shit like that people are born ill and that was gods mistake
as someone who went through many similar things as she did, I can tell you no one has the right or the knowledge to judge a young child in those moments. Because when we were in those moments ourselves, as children, we didn't even understand how to get out of them.
what the hell does that have to do with her ordeal?! are u saying that its somehow her fault?! if not there is no effing point in you bringing it up....
She’s so strong and beautiful. I love that she’s open with sharing her experience to help other women who may possibly go through the same thing and give advice on how to cope. It’s incredible
joeblow667 Has it ever happened to you. It isnt about sex, it is about causing pain, suffering, and you will never feel safe again. It changes people. I realize your remark was an off the cuff statement, but if you have a mom, child, sister or someone you love or care deeply for, you would realize this can affect YOU too one day. It could happen to your son, you yourself, your wife, or girlfriend. I wont insult you or lower myself to anger, as I dont think you meant that to hurt anyone, but I am certain that you have. Have a nice day.
Walid Noxss another dumbass blaming women for getting raped. what you wear has nothing to do with it. women who are fully clothed can get raped. ppl need to stop blaming the victims.
Walid Noxss You sound like a child, obviously, according to the way you write and spell, not to mention all of these sites are monitored by police agencies, you need to watch the way you speak, that is violent and hateful speech, and your attacks on women in general, make you sound like a juvenile, twelve maybe. Your spelling is barely legible, and you are the biggest tard Ive had the displeasure of encountering on the web. Karma is a terrific thing. You will get out of this world, what you dole out. This will affect you for saying what you said, for endorsing, and promoting rape. If you are an adult, which I doubt, you need to get your head read, before you do something that could hurt someone, and if your a kid, then get your parents to get you a psychiatrist, you need to be medicated. You really need help, your speech indicates that you are harbouring deep animosity and rage toward women, you should address this before you act out one of your thoughts. Really. A person can be a pedophile their entire lives and never act on their impulses because they see doctors, who in turn give them therapy and medication. Try it, you will feel a lot better, and the world will be a safer place.....
Agreed, but I think he is a child, he cant spell, and needs a check above the neck. Probably has a domineering mother figure, who he despises, psychology 101. Very hateful toward women, he is gonna be violent if he doesnt get that in check in a rush....
She speaks about what happened to her from a very compassionate view (which is good). I think deep down she knows that it wasn't her fault and so she forgives herself, and by telling her story to the world she feels empowered. This makes her happy she knows that yes she suffered, but she has a duty to help other children going through a similar situation which makes her feel like a hero.
She is a great good example for the world to see What a wonderful young lady she has become it is plain to see she has worked diligently at it and has paid her dues ,bouncing back like this from a trauma like that in life is not an easy thing to do.I sincerely hope her the best through out her life.
So many ppl, mostly men, cannot understand the pain, physical and mental, of being raped. Years ago a Texas politician even said, “If rape is inevitable just lie back and enjoy it.” Hearing that even today still takes my breath away bc I, myself, was a victim of rape (my first sexual encounter). I had not been drinking but was wearing a one piece swimsuit. It was my first year of college, I was out of state, I was at my first frat party, and I was very naive. My girlfriend found me, and we called the police. I was essentially told a trial, etc. would only bring publicity and it would be difficult to win (pre DNA years). I didn’t pursue it bc for several days I was in shock and pain. More importantly I didn’t want my beautiful, loving family to find out. At that mom by I was afraid of being seen as less than I’d always been in their eyes. Much later I realized it wouldn’t have changed the love and respect they had for me. The main thing is that it changes the way the victim feels about herself. It damages future relationships and makes the victim wary of interaction with others. Even though that was 50 years ago, I look back over my life and wonder how different my life might have been if it hadn’t happened. I might have eventually married the kind, gentle, bright guy I’d been dating. Instead I broke it off because I felt second rate. And couldn’t stand the thought of being physically close to others. This was also before we understood PTSD. I guess what I’m saying is that the act produces overwhelming fear and can lead to long time health issues, but the emotional toll can affect one for years to come. We’ve come a long way in 50 years in some respects. More often than not the legal profession views the victims of rape as the actual victims and not the ones, “who asked for it”! Women, as well as men who have been raped, have the support of law enforcement, and counseling is a must! If you’ve never been raped, had a loved one raped, or been held against your will you cannot imagine what it’s like to experience that kind of trauma, but PLEASE, don’t be a Monday morning quarterback saying what you would have done in a situation like Elizabeth Smart or for those of us who can vividly remember that one night that changed our lives. It’s wonderful that she has so much support, but while she sounds so rational and articulate and, I’m sure, still seeing a mental health professional, none of us can know what’s going on in her head day in and day out. I pray that she has a healthy, happy successful life. She doesn’t deserve anyone’s pity or scorn. She is a survivor of a situation in which she had no choice. I really hope that, inside, she is just as confident as she appears during interviews.
men and boys get sadly get raped as well. People should of ask that texas politician if that is what they would do? That was a disgusting thing for that texas politician to say.
"Mostly men don't understand rape" Nice. Imagine having 1 of the most horrific acts happen to you and your first thought is to devalue the act for the other sex. You realise men are raped more than women right????
She embodies strength, class, poise, grace, and most of all intelligence. She has this rare ability to remove her emotions from the most traumatic experience of her life, and to speak frankly about the topic allowing us to get a small but real glimpse into her time with her captors. Thank you for educating us and speaking up for other victims, past, present and future.
These comments are proof that the internet gives people the platform to easily say the most awful things that pop into their mind. It's disgusting to know people actually think these things, but even more disgusting that they would post them for others to read.
I agree with you. I can't believe that people are saying she's stupid, that she wasn't really raped, and that she wrote the book just for money. It's sick! Also, what does her being blond and blue-eyed have to do with anything? It didn't make the atrocities and brutality she was subjected to any less agonizing. She was beyond terrified and brain washed. Why can't people see that?
Thankfully 99% agree with you. I think all those "tough comments" are from children who dont really understand the meaning of what they say. Psychopaths are smarter than to leave stupid shit on the internet.
Or they simply find it so disturbing , and it makes them so angry. I read Jaycee Dugard's story, the girl abducted at age 11 and found 18 years later with her two daughters fathered by her rapist kidnapper. I wanted to read it but find it so infuriating that it all took place .
Wow, what an inspirational human being ! I'm so glad she's okay today. She's a perfect example of someone who turned extreme adversity into strength, survival and self-empowerment. Hearing this is heartbreaking bc there are so many other people who go through similar ordeals.
Why in the world would anybody judge a rape victim, anyway? That’s bad enough, but to judge an abducted child rape victim? Shame on you, whoever you are!
The movie was called “i know my first name is Steven” based on the story of Steven Stayner. After 7 years of torture he broke free not to save himself but to save another little boy Parnell has abducted from becoming a next victim. A true hero
Elizabeth, you are a very brave woman. I have a daughter who is your age and at times, I couldn’t read your story. Thank God that you survived and came back to us. All of us love you and we will pray for your full recovery.
I have been raped more than once by a few males whom I thought were friends, I wasn't kidnapped as a young girl, it happened in my early to mid 20's. You really don't know how it can affect you until it happens to you. I can't even imagine going through what she did as a young girl. She is so brave. I remember watching her story unfold on the news.
Larry E This world mainly consists of good, and mostly innocent people. I really have no idea what you're talking about. Ironically, I'm quite misanthropic a lot, and I'm the one saying that. --'
Michael Anderson 80% of the U.S. is devout Christian. I'm pretty sure there's plenty of good people there, especially since there's so many people there in total.
Hi I'm Goku actually all these religious numbers are highly inaccurate since they base them on general numbers, for example, they ask a person, what is your faith, how many people are in your household, and bam, thats the number they put, other sources include things like marriage liscences and baptisms, which are also inaccurate, for example, I and many others are baptised, but are not a believer or even practice the faith that we were baptised under, so even tho our numbers are there, the actual faith is not. Besides, it doesnt matter if a person has a religion or another or none at all, a person can be good or bad no matter what.
Michael Anderson These statistics are based off of church going religious people, off of people who practice their faith. Being baptised doesn't make you a religious person, it means your parents are people of tradition or religion, or yourself as an ex-believer. People who truly believe these ridiculous stories believe that if they don't obey by God's rules, they will be punished with eternal damnation. These people are "good" people out of fear, not honesty, is what I'm saying. If the only thing keeping a person decent is the promise of divine reward, that person is a piece of shit.
@@reek4062 oh wow, I didn't know you know God personally to have the guts to say that 🙂🙃 do you, though? You know, if you had just said 'It's good Elizabeth is fine now' or 'It's a good thing she survived all that' your comment would've been better.
@@reek4062 lol Perhaps you didn't know But it was never God's purpose to make things easier for us. His purpose is to keep us on the right track, but because of some people like Elizabeth's father, that's become harder than it's supposed to be.
i don't understand why everyone so mean about her maybe shes the type of person to not express her feelings it happened years ago, maybe shes just happy she survived
Hollie Davis Obviously she's expressing her feelings and she's glad to be alive. But her mom told her, "This man already took 9 months of your life, don't let him take one more second." Which is actually extremely true and inspiring. And she took that advice and applied it to her daily life. I think its brave of her to continue on after what happened to her with a smile and a confident attitude.
I've had a few close call experiences and when I think of the scumbags that did them I get enraged inside and I still want to kill them now for what they did. I certainly don't talk about it with real passion and excitement in my eyes like this girl is doing
+Angie Montreal Agreed, I grew up Mormon as well and her speech and affect are typical. If anything I'd say she's more animated than many Mormons I grew up with. As Mormon women we're taught to be agreeable, attractive, polite, and speak softly without strong emotion. I've been out of the religion for a long time and I still struggle to be assertive and express emotion. It's more of a cultural difference in this case, though I wouldn't judge any woman's path to surviving trauma.
God, some of these comments are disgusting. Who is to say her rapist isn't impotent? How many of you actually know how a woman's body works? There's a 24 -48 hour window for ovulation to result in pregnancy. The rest of the time it's contingent on sperm surviving the harsh climate that is the ph level inside the vaginal canal. We are not told whether or not he was pulling out or the full story. And ANOTHER THING. Obviously you people who talk about fighting back harder have never been assaulted, sexually or otherwise. Blame her for being blonde and blue eyed, really? Way to side with the rapist. What about other women who were locked in their assailant's basement for YEARS? They were around the corner from where they lived. It's not about how close people are. It's about calculated risk, and comfort level. You people talk like she acted like she asked for it, or that she deserved it, or that her stupidity is to blame for being raped. Guess what you jerks, NO ONE DESERVES RAPE, EVER. There is NO rationale. NONE. What kind of birds and bees talk have you had with your kids regarding what to do when someone sexually assaults you? None really. And guess what, most people who get assaulted get assaulted by someone really close, usually in the family, so there's no hope there at all. Judgemental bastards. She reacted exactly the way most people do when you've never remotely experienced fear of a real level. Most of you will never know what it is like to have your life threatened. When your life is in danger, your thought process changes. Check your goddamn privilege.
Her love and respect for her family is inspirational. She never knew fear before this- her family sounds like they are exceptional and intentional people. Tragic that such a horrendous experience happened to someone so very innocent
Exceptional people? Her father was the one who allowed those filthy bag people into his house in the first. Who allows a creep like that into their home when with two young daughters? And then he doesn't mention them to the police the entire time Elizabeth was missing? Then suddenly the 7 year old little sister remembers Brian David Mitchell's voice 9 months later???
I agree with Patrick. And then the father comes out of the closet. Why would he want to add more sexual trauma to his sexually abused daughter? That's sick. He was supposed to be a devout mormon. He was a fraud of a parent and husband And what is with the younger daughter remembering all those months later? Weird family.
She's a great example of human resilience and our ability to overcome anything. Not only that, she's a good person. It's hard for someone to open up about something that tragic, but doing so can help a lot of people.
How can you believe in a god and pray to him he helps you and other if he let this happen? What's your explanation for believing in a god who acts like the devil?
I believe we have God. And I believe there is a devil. God gives us all the chances to make the right decisions. The devil is always temping us to do wrong. We choose to take the bait or not.
+The Late Start The guy was a rapist, pure and simple. It was punished in the bible and angels didn't come and rescue the women in those days or now, but God exists. My friend Rain is very sexy and looks like actress Cameron Diaz when she wears her make-up a certain way. One night a guy came up in a car and wanted to know if we were going together or friends, but I didn't know this at first- I would have died to protect her. I was her guardian angel because of how I understand the Bible. God won't save her. I told her next time I telling the guy you're my wife so he'll go away sooner. Then the guy followed us to the gas station but I stayed with her. He went away though. She says guys roll up to her a lot. I would put her picture up but my photos button is not on my channel for some reason. It's cool having Cameron Diaz for a friend but a bit dangerous though.
I see or hear nothing abnormal about this beautiful young lady..I think what a couple of you see is nervousness from being interviewed on national televivsion.Elizabeth comes from a wealthy family I really doubt that she wrote her story for the money..I would like to see the ppl who are judging her and making fun of her survive half of what she went thru and then see how you would react when you are having to share with millions of ppl what those two sick weirdos did to you..I admire her for writing her story it was just another form of healing so that she can continue putting this nightmare behind her as much as she possibly can..
How could anyone talk ill of Elizebeth in the comments, she was 14, being abused by her kidnappers for months. She’s so brave, so smart and so strong. Shame on anyone commenting anything bad, her kidnappers both deserved life.
What an admirable, well balanced young woman. Her parents did a wonderful job raising her. I can't imagine being so composed and pulled together after her ordeal.
I am getting physically sick from the comments saying 'she has grown up to be a beautiful woman' 'she has got so strong' etc. I get what you're trying to say, but survivors of any kind, don't have to be strong. It's okay to be broken, to not be able to talk about it. It's okay to not be okay. It's all not your fault so why on earth should it be easy to handle? People don't have to come out strong after going through horror like this.
Wow , absolute respect for this woman , I held on to anger and hate from my childhood until I was about 35 , I only started dealing with and releasing my hatred a couple of years ago, and the weight lifted from me has been overwhelming, I am humbled and In absolute awe of this amazingly strong and beautiful woman, love from Scotland 💙💚💛🧡💜
I read her book. She is an incredible person. Very strong, very clear on who she is as a person. She kept her power and dignity the entire time. She never allowed him and what he did to her to taint or change her self-respect or views of herself as a woman and a human being. His actions were his alone. Very inspirational.
To the people who are confused on her nonchalant attitude and smile, Elizabeth has had years to come to terms with this. She has been through years of therapy. Did you expect her to stay a victim forever, trembling and scared? She has learned to talk about her experiences without crying and being happy that she survived them. She has learned to be strong and to have more power over them than they do over her. I'm happy for her.
Secondly, for those questioning why she didn't scream, run, etc., it's really easy to say that when you haven't experienced what she has. Before I had an experience with sexual assault at 18, I used to say that I didn't understand why rape victims didn't scream, fight harder or run to the police right away. Then it happened to me. I understood completely. I didn't enjoy my experience or consent to it. But a blend of fear, humiliation, and irrational self blame kept me from fighting or saying anything later. You never can speak for victims until you are in their shoes. Don't assume.
+Libra0Rising You communicated your dissent though, right?
I was obviously uncomfortable and did/said things to deter him, but I didn't outright say "No! Stop!" Why do you ask?
John Tyson I hope you aren't implying that what happened to Elizabeth Smart wasn't sexual assault. That was blatant sexual assault and this seems an odd place to argue what qualifies tbh.... Anyway, I think that whenever someone is obviously uncomfortable/ pulling away from you/ making excuses for you to go away, it should be incredibly easy to know that they don't want to be touched intimately. In my case, the guy definitely knew I was uncomfortable and wanted to stop, but he pushed on regardless. I didn't scream or bolt away, but I communicated how uncomfortable and unwilling I was. No one defines my experiences for me so I call it sexual assault. You can call it what you want, but one thing is for sure: It was wrong.
Don't talk about something you know nothing about. I did say No. Albeit lightly. But I said it. Once. I didnt scream it, but it was loud enough for him to hear. I said I communicated I was unwilling didn't I?
The fact that you would take MY ASSAULT as an affront on nice guys is disgusting. And it let's me know that you are one of those "nice guys" that use being a "nice guy" as a cover for how they are simply selfish undercover assholes who don't have the brashness to be pushy about it. So they blame the women who are taken advantage of and hurt by the more alpha grade of asshole.
You are a beta asshole. Not a nice guy. A true "nice guy" wouldn't take my experiences with sexual assault and attempt to redefine them as invalid and an insult to their supposed niceness.
I've come across a few men like you before and you are not worth debating about my personal experiences. I'm done responding to you, beta asshole. Have a nice night.
+Libra0Rising Pretty sure xanax has a lot to do with her "nonchalant attitude". Cant say I blame her
I am appalled at the comments saying anything negative about her. She went through unspeakable horror and lived to tell about it. This girl is nothing but a true inspiration.
Hexl702 Agreed!
Renee Maguire STFU, you piece of crap. Once a troll, always a troll.
I Am Real lol, wow...... Go back to sleep then little sheep. I won't wake u.....:). Sigh
Michael Anderson u can go back to sleep too. I feel sorry for the dumb downed fluride drinking believe anything thats said public at large. Nitey nite
U think the media and newscasters don't lie?? Ha!! Their very life is a lie. I'm ashamed I initially fell for this one too. Even bought her book. Smh.... Oh well
How you can go from being terrorized like that at 14 and recover to become a mature, calm, well spoken, thoughtful young woman is absolutely astonishing.
Not sure she’d do it again, even for the money, if that’s what you mean. Would you?
@@paulmc3457 Yeah? Let's see you go through it.
I am sure her experience would leave a scar in her adult psyche that the subconscious would push under, but her behaviour manifest as a conditioned response. Say like reflexive aversion to trauma experience, certain social encounters if the Present bears on the Past. It could be mistaken for an OCD that impaired social engagement at some level. Learned helplessness is a thing, Operant Conditioning is a thing, PTSD is a thing. What someone else would think odd to some degree, she may not even be aware as a triggered behaviour response. It could be anything, rejecting invitations to go out for a date wholesale or something.
@WINDOWS MINUS yes it is what the fuck
@WINDOWS MINUS bro wtf is wrong with you, you did not just say r is not as bad as people say, I hope they lock you behind bars before it’s to late
How did that vile woman, who helped the guy kidnap a child, got only 15y with possibility of parole?!? It’s pure insanity!
our judges need to be impaled on a pike as well
She helped, but she didn't do any raping. Women don't rape young girls. So they get lighter sentences. Not really hard to understand.
shes getting out now
Jury: Promise not to kidnap another girl for rape if we release you?
....
Meanwhile kidnapped girls beg their kidnappers to be released every single day.
THEY SHOULD CRUSH A BONE IN HER BODY EVERY SINGLE DAY IN PRISON, NOT LET HER FREELY WALK AMONGST CIVILISED PEOPLE!
Elizabeth Smart opposed that women's parole. She thought neither of her captors deserved to ever be free.
She is so brave. She went through hell and can still smile. Inspiring!
IN THE BAG You’re a piece of human shit. I’d love the opportunity to meet and put you out of your misery.
IN THE BAG Yeah, keep talking that way, princess. I’d have you pissing your pants.
Very inspiring :-) xx
IN THE BAG what the actual fuck? You're terrible
IN THE BAG Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.
The woman that assisted him has been released from.prison...which makes no sense at all.
Activist liberal judge decided that the woman was a victim rather than a criminal.
Yo David.. hound dogs would have sniffed there way to the camp.. few miles up the hill, the scent would have been off-the-wall obvious & Ricci would have never been contacted (why no dogs) (& Lay off hound dogging Jennifer 😂
David G. Dude wtf are you talking about
@@ltcavret7574 actually often, in very violent crime's associates that had a much lesser role are given leniency to testify. This is an acceptable moral practice because the burden of proof is very high and prosecutors often don't want to leave room for a technical acquittal.
@@claymore5935 system needs to be overhauled
"My dad tried to sell me to pay the mortgage..." Oh my God that is so gut wrenching and disturbing...
a great dad
What?
@Mickey Zombish okay by the persons response I thought they were referring to something said in the interview, which I thought I didnt hear clearly
Kristyan Sooknanan ya she said it in the beginning
@@itsheff3929 thank you
SHE HAS A LOT OF CLASS.
VERY DECENT YOUNG WOMAN.
Who agreed to be raped daily for 1 year for a worm. Is this being decent to you? Decent is to fight to the death for something greater than life itself!
how a 14yrs old girl fight back? talk is easy like how u bullshit :)
Yeah she is very blessed in her Spirit to
be able to endure this
savagery and still keep
such a strong mentality
*America feels like 15 is so young and innocent with Elizabeth Smart*
Meanwhile a black kid in Florida at 15 gets a life sentence for a crime.
@@xtzyshuadog im not into race bullshit. But ur 100% right
What sould we do about it? Collective suicide? Because let me tell u this isnt going to change
I was sexually abused from age 7 till age 15. The man was a family friend and would always tell me he would kill me and my mother. I dont know exactly what she went through but I know the fear she felt. She is truly lucky she made it out alive. I have so much respect for her.
Your comment deserves more attention.
I apologize for what happened to you.
I'm glad you're out of that situation.
Sorry for that god bless
I had a stepdad that beat me with a belt at age 8 from my neck to my ankles until I was bleeding. My mother was in the next room and never stopped him. I felt so sorry for myself my whole life over this until I was 35 years old, and my sister who is 5 years older than me told me he had raped her many times. Suddenly her messed up life made sense. Suddenly my past didn't seem so bad.
I am 61 now, and I raised my sons alone in a small town, and had two little girls adopt me ; ). All 4 are happy, now in their late 30's. I came out the winner, and I hope you did too. Don't let that man define you!
I am so sorry that happened to you 😔 I wanna give you a big hug
I am sorry you went through that
No one deserves to be abused, sexually abused and their childhood be taken away.
I was also raped at the age of 7 multiple times by the teenage son of my parents friends.
He was 18 and threatened me with killing my family. He also lived 3 apartments down and was in my home often. So I kept quiet for 5 years until I finally told my parents. By this time we were living a different state.
However, that’s whole time and even after I would have nightmares of my parents dying. This made his threats feel more realistic.
She’s grown up to be a beautiful and mature young lady. God bless her
She is very pretty. Hope she can put her past behind her.
she had a lot of fun
@@triplethreatcga2358 hope I can get behind her, m'kay
@@reek4062 sick fuck
@@cucaracha6365 would you like to get behind her too? no problem, just place yourself in the back of the line
Elizabeth is truly a graceful young lady . I ran into her here in Utah at Costco and she was very kind to me when I approached her to tell her that I have a son who has been missing since November 2014 . She even asked me if there was something she or her family can do to help . I told her yes ...Pray and ask the Lord to give me closure.
any updates on your son?
OliviaNewtronBomb I’m so sorry
Update on your son? Prayers for you and your family!
God is keeping him safe
Is she LDS, hopefully not, or Born Again?
She lived a literal nightmare. She is an inspiring survivor. She did everything she could to ensure she stayed alive and got back home.
Do not judge her because she's not reacting the way you want her to. im so happy she's able to smile again. if you watch her interview with Nancy grace, she can't really smile and she dosen't even want to talk about it. after 10 years im glad she can be happy again.
labobo as a survivor I am still healing..trauma is so hard to overcome, after 2 years I feel like I gotten worse and very depressed, feelings of worthlessness and shame, but after a certain time I feel like healing means for me as it not affecting my daily life, and I feel hopeless sometimes because overcoming this depression is overwhelming and something that I need to work on
@@lovelyyone1320 On several versions of anti-depressant, medication against anxiety and must use sleeping pills or I will stay awake until I drop. Self-destructive, alcoholic and suicidal. Don't see a way out of it. Alcohol helps, it makes me not care and everything feels numb. Being drunk is like a vacation. Have already had liver inflammation. Next stage is alcoholic cirrhosis. I know alcohol is a depressant. Started to drink when I lost hope in the doctors and the medicine. Never get anything that works.
@ Please don't give up hope!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mental health agencies are now based on trauma informed care. I attend a group for PTSD. Very helpful. Alcohol will make you more depressed. If you drink for anxiety, when the alcohol wears off, you will be more anxious than when you started. Don't let yourself get stuck in a vicious cycle. Most importantly, love yourself! Affirmations can help!!
So agree dear.x
@@lovelyyone1320 I'm sorry. Praying for you
Anderson is a good one to interview her. He is thorough but compassionate. I am sure she agreed to talk with him for a reason.
B Kavanaugh yes great he let her talk. I hate interviewers who keep interrupt.
What an incredible woman. She’s been through absolute hell during her formative years yet she has come through it so strong and is helping others. She’s an inspiration to anyone who has been through trauma.
She is beautiful and so poised. I love her inspiring talks. A strong women and role model who has gave me a great perspective.
I agree. I also agree that she's a good role model as well.
NegativeEffect And you're even more so with your negativity.
just being blonde doesn't make you beautiful kmt
sydney wilson ✌
sydney Wilson,o,
Smh, some people saying "why didn't she scream, why didn't she run?" you're forgetting she was a little girl, she was terrified, he threatened her family, until you've been in that type of situation how can you say what she could have.should have done?
5:50
April Quinn she was 14 not that lil...but i k ow id be out in the first week not 6 months but i wasnt there so who knows
Yea it's easy to say what you would have done when your not in that situation. Shame on anyone who question Elizabeth and what she should have done.
Age is never an excuse for intelligence.
Also, stating that she had a knife to her throat!! He was threatening her and her Family!!! So, I would say she was completely horrified and ABSOLUTELY scared to death!!!!
How incredibly strong she is, to have survived this ordeal with any shred of humanity. A remarkable woman.
It's incredible how strong she has been and truly inspiring to anyone struggling with trauma.
She is absolutely a beautiful soul. I've been a victim myself. I haven't been through as much as this young woman but I did become a survivor...no longer a victim. Don't judge something you haven't been through or understand. I'm so glad she can talk about all that has happened to her and still smile. She has such strength and an amazingly big heart.
You are being extremely judgmental right now! How do you know people are being "judgmental" and how do you know they "don't understand" it? That is EXTREMELY judgmental!! You do not have to BE raped or kidnapped to have an opinion about the subject! People cannot feel what she felt but they can certainly empathize with it on a human level; while some people can understand it more than others due to their various personal experiences. I can certainly relate to her on an emotional level has a healthy human being.
If you take her word for it, as I do, that she is trying to help people, then it is NATURAL that people and reporters are going to have all kinds of questions, and it is incumbent upon Elizabeth to answer them, because she is the one who decided to go public!! I really don't understand who the hell you think YOU are?!
@@dirtydingus5465 Cute.
The original investigation was a mess.
I was on the search team.
Me and my buddy Dan Zaugg were prevented from searching the canyon where she was.
I'll never forget that.
Why where you prevented from doing that?
@@erikengheim1106 . The investigation was botched from the beginning. They stopped us to play authority.
@Angel. What's good is that she is safe 18 years later and outgrew that tragedy, no matter what.
And the case gives us ground to restructure the LDS church.
Michael Charles who botched the investigation. Were they in on it? Sounds like a story worth hearing.
@@MrDanSchulte. Good questions. Personally, I'll never forget when me & my friend Dan Zaugg were told we couldn't search the canyon where we all later learned she had been absconded with by the false christ.
The girls with the prettiest smile seem to tell the saddest stories. But nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears. ❤️✨
Because pretty girls are actively pursued and then experience real hurt. Plain girls have sad stories too of loneliness and unmet needs. You just never hear about them.
CATHY B interesting that you count yourself among that group. 😉
That was the gayest thing I've ever read
@@thsu8 most girls fantasize about this, and Elizabeth was lucky enough that her wish came true :)
@@reek4062 Wait....fantasize about what?
Why is it that people always want to negate another person's experience? I wonder how "you" would have handled some man with a knife to your neck and being repeatedly raped every day? So don't sit there in your plush sofas, eating your TV dinners, crtizing a girl who has been through hell!!!
+Grumpy Kitten Ace
lol Nope, that's you creepy attention seeking weirdo.
John D Retarded is too good a word for he/she. People with mental retardation have more sense!
+Edie Del Carmen very true!!
+Edie Del Carmen Probably because they are jealous. She is smart, she is happy, she is beautiful, and she is getting attention, so they have to say something nasty.
What a great speaker
Nothing obnoxious at all about her being
And she is extremely pretty
what a sweet and gentle soul. she's using such evil circumstances for good to help other victims. so selfless
She seems like a wonderful person. I have so much respect for her! It takes a special, strong person to grow and overcome what she has.
How she’s able to speak about this and lead a “normal” life is absolutely astounding. God bless her.
A normal life? She's made an entire career out of being a victim. I'm actually tired of seeing her and hearing her 'story.'
@@jenniferlawrence9473 I kind of have to agree.
Except she will probably have intimacy issues the rest of her life.
@Scott Scotty and here we go…
I have a lot of respect for her. So many hateful comments here.. you should be ashamed of yourselves!!
WishesSailorMoon agree. it took a lot of courage that i cudnt imagine i would ever have to come out and talk about that. let alone reaching out to help. shes a star
I haven't read one hateful comment yet..
WishesSailorMoon Why are these people so hateful towards Elizabeth, I don't understand ?
@@Kimberly1Lily It is not about being "hateful." It's just that many people including myself believe there is much more to the story. I think if more people read into the details of the case and put their emotions to the side for 5 minutes they might realize it too. Also, Elizabeth is not a 14 year old girl anymore. She is and adult and speaking publicly about what had happened. If people have feel that parts of her story do not add up and believe she is not telling the entire truth, then that is their right to feel that way. Elizabeth Smart is not beyond reproach.
Patrick Morrissey Okay, I'll do a bit of research on this story. Thanks !
I understand her attitude, it’s an amazing attitude to have after such a traumatic experience. Strong, brave woman.
@@reek4062 Fuck you asshole!
Its Unbelievable
You never hear a man being called strong and brave after surviving a sex crime
@@Earthtime3978 what a stupid and ignorant comment, u rlly missed the message of the video and clearly have no sympathy. How can u compare a male victim of a sex crime to a small girl getting kidnapped at knife point by a homeless man and raped everyday for 9 months in a forest. Double standards don’t apply here.
Elizabeth is amazing. I wish I had half her courage and strength. Yet I can still hear the pain in her voice.... It should never have happened.
She let herself get used like public property, m'kay
@@reek4062 at age 5 u can yell to strangers for help this woman was 14 in a Walmart and pretended she don’t know English she definitely misses them lol
There might be an alternate universe where this never happened.
Person: Why didn't you escape? Why didn't you scream? Why didn't you call for help? Why did you let him take you?
Also that person: Never had the experience
Ron Dale her kidnappers told her she and her family would be killed if she ever told anyone who she was. she was forced to stay silent for 9 months. if you see the video near the end, she tells the interviewer that her kidnapper told her he would rape her and he did and more. who was to say he wouldn’t kill her family? she was so scared that she couldn’t get the words out when she had a chance to escape. and she did try to escape a few times and she was caught and threatened. that’s traumatic.
Cold Glass Of Milk : That's called blaming the victim.. Are you really that foolish or cruel?
Dave Chappelle is an ass
@M.r. Moon There is something very abnormal about the entire Smart family.
@M.r. Moon They're a bunch of weirdos and I remember thinking this story didn't make sense when it first happened 17 years ago. The 7 year old little sister suddenly thinks she recognizes the kidnappers voice 9 months later. Bullshit.
The bad comments should stop, you dont know what it was like for her...
***** wtf. u srsly need to get a life!!... There is psychological evidence of her being raped by her captors. she was a 14 year old girl abducted by her captors frm her home. Her rapist had a history of sexual violence and u have the audacity to claim it wasn't anything to her ?!!
Srsly wtf is wrong with u ppl?! How can u be so heartless n disregard someones personal trauma for no rhyme or reason?! Wat Michelle Knight and Elizabeth Smart dealt with are anything but horrifying. To compare the 2 and claim that one story is REAL and the other is not is ridiculous and ignorant
Neither do you fucknugget, ayyo
Feminazi Rein Francks what the hell?? You're disgusting 😷😷😷
There aren't any negative comments... wth are you talking about🤔
@@brianjames3164 theyre in the deeper part of the comment section some you may find in some replies
What a beautiful, strong woman. I admire so much how she has come through the horror, and seemingly put it behind her.
I would like to be behind her, m'kay
She’s so eloquent & captivating. Good for her, this would’ve broken many people.
she is such a beautiful girl.. I feel so bad such evil in the world to such an innocent girl
Yep god is one fucked up son of a bitch
+Eggroll Its not gods fault that bad things happen.. he can't control such evil.. we all have are own choices in life.. and clearly these 2 idiots chose to be evil Ass holes..
I don't personally believe in god but you do realize that god created everything including murderers, pedophiles, etc if god doesn't have the power to stop this shit why worship him if he just sits around and doesn't do shit. I used to believe in god i prayed a few times when shit was rough nothing good ever came for me and i can understand that he can't worry about me when there are so many fucked up things happening in the world but God let's this shit happen even though he is the almighty creator that literally made us yet he can't save a girl from being kidnapped and raped? if i was god i would've struck all these fucked up people with a lightning bolt, drop a fucking feast down to little kids in Africa and make it raaaain (money) on all the poor people among other things like make Bernie Sanders prez and the complete Legalization of Marijuana but i'm not God. My point is God isn't worth worshiping because he can't help anyone.Julie Johnson
Julie Johnson
I also believe that a lot of people are born like that some choose to do it but people don't just all of a sudden decide to want to do shit like that people are born ill and that was gods mistake
So you feel bad for her because she is beautiful and this happened to her?
as someone who went through many similar things as she did, I can tell you no one has the right or the knowledge to judge a young child in those moments. Because when we were in those moments ourselves, as children, we didn't even understand how to get out of them.
What did you went through?
You know this is just a thought. If she was a boy nobody would give a fuck, or even care as much.
what the hell does that have to do with her ordeal?! are u saying that its somehow her fault?! if not there is no effing point in you bringing it up....
Cindy N A she was asking for it
PiTaBoI94 You're asking for it, troll.
***** That you are.
If she was a boy, he'd have less than half the chance of this even happening ... because this is almost always done by hetero men ...
She’s so strong and beautiful. I love that she’s open with sharing her experience to help other women who may possibly go through the same thing and give advice on how to cope. It’s incredible
Elizabeth is truly incredible and I wish her the very best for the future.
so well spoken.
I wonder if she still plays the harp.
@@libertyann439 Maybe now she's playing the flute (lol) 😅
she has such a beautiful, calming voice.
The Mormon religion will do that to a person's brain. Wash it until its completely submissive
@@uglykid8061 If given the chance and the certainty of not being arrested over it, I and many other normal straight men would do the same thing
Reek dude
@@reek4062 the same amount you've been, I bet you have more experience than her
@@reek4062 omggg ew
Such an eloquent speaker. So sorry for for the pain you endured. May that animal rot in hell!!
It is amazing how many "rape apologists" are here in this comment section
joeblow667 Has it ever happened to you. It isnt about sex, it is about causing pain, suffering, and you will never feel safe again. It changes people. I realize your remark was an off the cuff statement, but if you have a mom, child, sister or someone you love or care deeply for, you would realize this can affect YOU too one day. It could happen to your son, you yourself, your wife, or girlfriend. I wont insult you or lower myself to anger, as I dont think you meant that to hurt anyone, but I am certain that you have. Have a nice day.
Walid Noxss
You are a moron and not a man...
Walid Noxss another dumbass blaming women for getting raped. what you wear has nothing to do with it. women who are fully clothed can get raped. ppl need to stop blaming the victims.
Walid Noxss You sound like a child, obviously, according to the way you write and spell, not to mention all of these sites are monitored by police agencies, you need to watch the way you speak, that is violent and hateful speech, and your attacks on women in general, make you sound like a juvenile, twelve maybe. Your spelling is barely legible, and you are the biggest tard Ive had the displeasure of encountering on the web.
Karma is a terrific thing. You will get out of this world, what you dole out. This will affect you for saying what you said, for endorsing, and promoting rape. If you are an adult, which I doubt, you need to get your head read, before you do something that could hurt someone, and if your a kid, then get your parents to get you a psychiatrist, you need to be medicated. You really need help, your speech indicates that you are harbouring deep animosity and rage toward women, you should address this before you act out one of your thoughts. Really. A person can be a pedophile their entire lives and never act on their impulses because they see doctors, who in turn give them therapy and medication. Try it, you will feel a lot better, and the world will be a safer place.....
Agreed, but I think he is a child, he cant spell, and needs a check above the neck. Probably has a domineering mother figure, who he despises, psychology 101. Very hateful toward women, he is gonna be violent if he doesnt get that in check in a rush....
She speaks about what happened to her from a very compassionate view (which is good). I think deep down she knows that it wasn't her fault and so she forgives herself, and by telling her story to the world she feels empowered. This makes her happy she knows that yes she suffered, but she has a duty to help other children going through a similar situation which makes her feel like a hero.
Just think about the female accomplice who is now out of jail roaming around free without a care.
god bless her and and all the love in the universe to her...
You are an inspiration and I'm so happy you have your life back.
Love from Ireland
She is a great good example for the world to see What a wonderful young lady she has become it is plain to see she has worked diligently at it and has paid her dues ,bouncing back like this from a trauma like that in life is not an easy thing to do.I sincerely hope her the best through out her life.
She may have only been 14 at the time, but she was smart enough to go into survival mode.
She also saw through the nonsense the kidnapper/rapist was pushing. She never was suckered into believing he was a truly religious person.
@Bustopher McCumbus And he's behind bars for the rest of his life.
@Bustopher McCumbus imagine implying that its something to be proud about
@@vz1270 these people in the comments are absolutely disgusting!
@@Angel-fc2me probably some edgy kid.
Life will mellow him out , eventually
Amazing composure . Extremely impressive person.
So many ppl, mostly men, cannot understand the pain, physical and mental, of being raped. Years ago a Texas politician even said, “If rape is inevitable just lie back and enjoy it.” Hearing that even today still takes my breath away bc I, myself, was a victim of rape (my first sexual encounter). I had not been drinking but was wearing a one piece swimsuit. It was my first year of college, I was out of state, I was at my first frat party, and I was very naive. My girlfriend found me, and we called the police. I was essentially told a trial, etc. would only bring publicity and it would be difficult to win (pre DNA years). I didn’t pursue it bc for several days I was in shock and pain. More importantly I didn’t want my beautiful, loving family to find out. At that mom by I was afraid of being seen as less than I’d always been in their eyes. Much later I realized it wouldn’t have changed the love and respect they had for me. The main thing is that it changes the way the victim feels about herself. It damages future relationships and makes the victim wary of interaction with others. Even though that was 50 years ago, I look back over my life and wonder how different my life might have been if it hadn’t happened. I might have eventually married the kind, gentle, bright guy I’d been dating. Instead I broke it off because I felt second rate. And couldn’t stand the thought of being physically close to others. This was also before we understood PTSD. I guess what I’m saying is that the act produces overwhelming fear and can lead to long time health issues, but the emotional toll can affect one for years to come. We’ve come a long way in 50 years in some respects. More often than not the legal profession views the victims of rape as the actual victims and not the ones, “who asked for it”! Women, as well as men who have been raped, have the support of law enforcement, and counseling is a must! If you’ve never been raped, had a loved one raped, or been held against your will you cannot imagine what it’s like to experience that kind of trauma, but PLEASE, don’t be a Monday morning quarterback saying what you would have done in a situation like Elizabeth Smart or for those of us who can vividly remember that one night that changed our lives. It’s wonderful that she has so much support, but while she sounds so rational and articulate and, I’m sure, still seeing a mental health professional, none of us can know what’s going on in her head day in and day out. I pray that she has a healthy, happy successful life. She doesn’t deserve anyone’s pity or scorn. She is a survivor of a situation in which she had no choice. I really hope that, inside, she is just as confident as she appears during interviews.
❤
men and boys get sadly get raped as well. People should of ask that texas politician if that is what they would do? That was a disgusting thing for that texas politician to say.
@@MarianMetanoia ❤🙏.
"Mostly men don't understand rape"
Nice. Imagine having 1 of the most horrific acts happen to you and your first thought is to devalue the act for the other sex.
You realise men are raped more than women right????
@@Cherry-pu4mx COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
!!!
She embodies strength, class, poise, grace, and most of all intelligence. She has this rare ability to remove her emotions from the most traumatic experience of her life, and to speak frankly about the topic allowing us to get a small but real glimpse into her time with her captors. Thank you for educating us and speaking up for other victims, past, present and future.
She embodies money, priviledge and mormon exceptionalism and money will fix everything that tells me everything I need to know.
I should not be watching this before bed.
Iris van der Scheer she was abducted in her sleep ...
girl you think this interview is scary? watch the full documentary on this
ughhh exactly I should stop but she's so brave and inspiring
The album "Days consisted of rape" is much more soothing - not like this interview or the book at all.
+lily c
Do the documentary touch anything on how she healed herself?
God Bless! Her recovery is an example of strength.. Amazing individual.
The strength of this lady blows my mind. An incredible person. Respect !
These comments are proof that the internet gives people the platform to easily say the most awful things that pop into their mind. It's disgusting to know people actually think these things, but even more disgusting that they would post them for others to read.
PiTaBoI94 I would ask if it's frustrating to only have an I.Q. of 45, but then you'd just ask me what an I.Q. is, so.....
I agree with you. I can't believe that people are saying she's stupid, that she wasn't really raped, and that she wrote the book just for money. It's sick! Also, what does her being blond and blue-eyed have to do with anything? It didn't make the atrocities and brutality she was subjected to any less agonizing. She was beyond terrified and brain washed. Why can't people see that?
PiTaBoI94 What's my name and IP?
Jeremiah C nice troll 2/5
Thankfully 99% agree with you. I think all those "tough comments" are from children who dont really understand the meaning of what they say. Psychopaths are smarter than to leave stupid shit on the internet.
God bless you Elisabeth and all your family. Hug from Tuscany, Italy
I can't understand how anyone could give this video a thumbs down. Either they are mentally disturbed or are predators themselves.
They are jealous that she is happy and strong about her fear
Or they simply find it so disturbing , and it makes them so angry. I read Jaycee Dugard's story, the girl abducted at age 11 and found 18 years later with her two daughters fathered by her rapist kidnapper. I wanted to read it but find it so infuriating that it all took place .
Such a strong and beautiful soul. And the interviewer was also very compassionate
Wow, what an inspirational human being ! I'm so glad she's okay today. She's a perfect example of someone who turned extreme adversity into strength, survival and self-empowerment. Hearing this is heartbreaking bc there are so many other people who go through similar ordeals.
Why in the world would anybody judge a rape victim, anyway? That’s bad enough, but to judge an abducted child rape victim? Shame on you, whoever you are!
"Every time I thought it couldn't get worse, something always happened."
That breaks my heart.
The movie was called “i know my first name is Steven” based on the story of Steven Stayner. After 7 years of torture he broke free not to save himself but to save another little boy Parnell has abducted from becoming a next victim. A true hero
no one wants to address how being raised to be submissive made her more vulnerable to this criminal.
Elizabeth, you are a very brave woman. I have a daughter who is your age and at times, I couldn’t read your story. Thank God that you survived and came back to us. All of us love you and we will pray for your full recovery.
I have been raped more than once by a few males whom I thought were friends, I wasn't kidnapped as a young girl, it happened in my early to mid 20's. You really don't know how it can affect you until it happens to you. I can't even imagine going through what she did as a young girl. She is so brave. I remember watching her story unfold on the news.
That's unfortunate and sad... Hope you're getting strong support from different (less turdish) friends & family.
Did you report any of them? What was the result?
I’m so sorry you’ve been through that💔💔 you are a strong woman These rapists deserve to be staked
More than once by many? Trust no man.
"More than once?" You probably just had sex with men that made you angry. Now you're saying they supposedly raped you.
I could listen to her speak forever.. Wow so intelligent and classy positive talkative and a great role model...
God bless her for taking a tragedy and turning it into spreading awareness for situations similar to hers. Elizabeth is truly so strong!
Indeed, God bless her🙏🏼 she is a true icon, honestly. You don't see someone like her everyday
She's a strong beautiful inspiring woman who gives other victims hope. It's a blessing she was saved.
@Good Morning Good Afternoon and Good Night AMEN it's so good to see a happy ending!
@Good Morning Good Afternoon and Good Night Texas ...what does Ry mean?
What an amazing person. I am sure she is really helping a lot of people who are really struggling with past traumas.
she must have enjoyed it
Her parents have did so good to getting her recover and she is amazing.
Sad. Man. Why is there so much evil in this word.
Larry E This world mainly consists of good, and mostly innocent people. I really have no idea what you're talking about.
Ironically, I'm quite misanthropic a lot, and I'm the one saying that. --'
Michael Anderson 80% of the U.S. is devout Christian. I'm pretty sure there's plenty of good people there, especially since there's so many people there in total.
Hi I'm Goku actually all these religious numbers are highly inaccurate since they base them on general numbers, for example, they ask a person, what is your faith, how many people are in your household, and bam, thats the number they put, other sources include things like marriage liscences and baptisms, which are also inaccurate, for example, I and many others are baptised, but are not a believer or even practice the faith that we were baptised under, so even tho our numbers are there, the actual faith is not. Besides, it doesnt matter if a person has a religion or another or none at all, a person can be good or bad no matter what.
Michael Anderson These statistics are based off of church going religious people, off of people who practice their faith.
Being baptised doesn't make you a religious person, it means your parents are people of tradition or religion, or yourself as an ex-believer.
People who truly believe these ridiculous stories believe that if they don't obey by God's rules, they will be punished with eternal damnation.
These people are "good" people out of fear, not honesty, is what I'm saying.
If the only thing keeping a person decent is the promise of divine reward, that person is a piece of shit.
Alcohol
All I CAN SAY, IS THANK GOD. she has come through it all.. she is a beautiful young women.
God was playing with himself.
@@reek4062 oh wow, I didn't know you know God personally to have the guts to say that 🙂🙃 do you, though? You know, if you had just said 'It's good Elizabeth is fine now' or 'It's a good thing she survived all that' your comment would've been better.
She is strong. God bless her and her kids...
@@veniceangelidelacruz2988 God wanted to spray his warm stuff on her and her kids
@@reek4062 lol
Perhaps you didn't know
But it was never God's purpose to make things easier for us. His purpose is to keep us on the right track, but because of some people like Elizabeth's father, that's become harder than it's supposed to be.
i don't understand why everyone so mean about her maybe shes the type of person to not express her feelings it happened years ago, maybe shes just happy she survived
Hollie Davis Obviously she's expressing her feelings and she's glad to be alive.
But her mom told her, "This man already took 9 months of your life, don't let him take one more second."
Which is actually extremely true and inspiring. And she took that advice and applied it to her daily life.
I think its brave of her to continue on after what happened to her with a smile and a confident attitude.
Hollie Davis Bs you can see how excited she is when she talks about her stories
I've had a few close call experiences and when I think of the scumbags that did them I get enraged inside and I still want to kill them now for what they did. I certainly don't talk about it with real passion and excitement in my eyes like this girl is doing
+Angie Montreal Agreed, I grew up Mormon as well and her speech and affect are typical. If anything I'd say she's more animated than many Mormons I grew up with.
As Mormon women we're taught to be agreeable, attractive, polite, and speak softly without strong emotion. I've been out of the religion for a long time and I still struggle to be assertive and express emotion.
It's more of a cultural difference in this case, though I wouldn't judge any woman's path to surviving trauma.
God, some of these comments are disgusting.
Who is to say her rapist isn't impotent? How many of you actually know how a woman's body works? There's a 24 -48 hour window for ovulation to result in pregnancy. The rest of the time it's contingent on sperm surviving the harsh climate that is the ph level inside the vaginal canal.
We are not told whether or not he was pulling out or the full story.
And ANOTHER THING.
Obviously you people who talk about fighting back harder have never been assaulted, sexually or otherwise. Blame her for being blonde and blue eyed, really? Way to side with the rapist.
What about other women who were locked in their assailant's basement for YEARS? They were around the corner from where they lived. It's not about how close people are. It's about calculated risk, and comfort level.
You people talk like she acted like she asked for it, or that she deserved it, or that her stupidity is to blame for being raped. Guess what you jerks, NO ONE DESERVES RAPE, EVER. There is NO rationale. NONE.
What kind of birds and bees talk have you had with your kids regarding what to do when someone sexually assaults you? None really. And guess what, most people who get assaulted get assaulted by someone really close, usually in the family, so there's no hope there at all.
Judgemental bastards. She reacted exactly the way most people do when you've never remotely experienced fear of a real level. Most of you will never know what it is like to have your life threatened. When your life is in danger, your thought process changes.
Check your goddamn privilege.
Her love and respect for her family is inspirational. She never knew fear before this- her family sounds like they are exceptional and intentional people. Tragic that such a horrendous experience happened to someone so very innocent
Exceptional people? Her father was the one who allowed those filthy bag people into his house in the first. Who allows a creep like that into their home when with two young daughters? And then he doesn't mention them to the police the entire time Elizabeth was missing? Then suddenly the 7 year old little sister remembers Brian David Mitchell's voice 9 months later???
Patrick Morrissey you are bitter and really have a usurped point of view.
I agree with Patrick. And then the father comes out of the closet. Why would he want to add more sexual trauma to his sexually abused daughter? That's sick. He was supposed to be a devout mormon. He was a fraud of a parent and husband And what is with the younger daughter remembering all those months later? Weird family.
She's such a beautiful woman. And I'm not only talking about her physical appearance.
She's a great example of human resilience and our ability to overcome anything. Not only that, she's a good person. It's hard for someone to open up about something that tragic, but doing so can help a lot of people.
You can sense how strong she is emotional, mentally, and intellectually - it's her gift.
God bless you Elizabeth. Pray our worlds child start being treated better. Thank God you are still alive and so strong.
How can you believe in a god and pray to him he helps you and other if he let this happen? What's your explanation for believing in a god who acts like the devil?
I believe we have God. And I believe there is a devil. God gives us all the chances to make the right decisions. The devil is always temping us to do wrong. We choose to take the bait or not.
+The Late Start The guy was a rapist, pure and simple. It was punished in the bible and angels didn't come and rescue the women in those days or now, but God exists. My friend Rain is very sexy and looks like actress Cameron Diaz when she wears her make-up a certain way. One night a guy came up in a car and wanted to know if we were going together or friends, but I didn't know this at first- I would have died to protect her. I was her guardian angel because of how I understand the Bible. God won't save her. I told her next time I telling the guy you're my wife so he'll go away sooner. Then the guy followed us to the gas station but I stayed with her. He went away though. She says guys roll up to her a lot. I would put her picture up but my photos button is not on my channel for some reason. It's cool having Cameron Diaz for a friend but a bit dangerous though.
Thank God she has you for a friend to help keep her safe. Will pray she stays safe.
Do you just pray your imaginary god for anything?
I see or hear nothing abnormal about this beautiful young lady..I think what a couple of you see is nervousness from being interviewed on national televivsion.Elizabeth comes from a wealthy family I really doubt that she wrote her story for the money..I would like to see the ppl who are judging her and making fun of her survive half of what she went thru and then see how you would react when you are having to share with millions of ppl what those two sick weirdos did to you..I admire her for writing her story it was just another form of healing so that she can continue putting this nightmare behind her as much as she possibly can..
SHE IS A WARRIOR AND SURVIVOR!! ANYONE WHO SAYS ANYTHING HATEFUL ABOUT HER HAS ISSUES. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. SHE IS INCREDIBLE!
She is a beautiful and strong woman. I am glad that she is happy and that she didn't let the criminals who hurt her define her life.
Elizabeth is one brave and very beautiful woman. God bless her.
She is one of the coolest people on Earth.
vespadano1979 such a piece of ass too 😎👌👈
@@rickyrick5586 WHAT NIGGA WHAT
All comments aré bueno documentes..expect s visit Ricky..ull get urs dumbfuck
She’s so well spoken 🥰
How could anyone talk ill of Elizebeth in the comments, she was 14, being abused by her kidnappers for months. She’s so brave, so smart and so strong. Shame on anyone commenting anything bad, her kidnappers both deserved life.
What an admirable, well balanced young woman. Her parents did a wonderful job raising her. I can't imagine being so composed and pulled together after her ordeal.
I am getting physically sick from the comments saying 'she has grown up to be a beautiful woman' 'she has got so strong' etc. I get what you're trying to say, but survivors of any kind, don't have to be strong. It's okay to be broken, to not be able to talk about it. It's okay to not be okay. It's all not your fault so why on earth should it be easy to handle? People don't have to come out strong after going through horror like this.
She is a survivor and it’s inspiring that she went through that trauma and is not crippled by it.
Wow , absolute respect for this woman , I held on to anger and hate from my childhood until I was about 35 , I only started dealing with and releasing my hatred a couple of years ago, and the weight lifted from me has been overwhelming, I am humbled and In absolute awe of this amazingly strong and beautiful woman, love from Scotland 💙💚💛🧡💜
And she has been a source of inspiration and strength to many many other victims.
Many women share their bodies without any shame aboot their dignity
She is an amazingly beautiful woman in all aspects! God bless her!
An angel in disguise. Where she is no other fallen being (like her kidnappers) can get!
May God bless this wonderful, strong and beautiful woman.
Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your story. You inspire me and others to move on and overcome this!
I read her book. She is an incredible person. Very strong, very clear on who she is as a person. She kept her power and dignity the entire time. She never allowed him and what he did to her to taint or change her self-respect or views of herself as a woman and a human being. His actions were his alone. Very inspirational.
She is a truly remarkable woman. So inspiring to have gone through hell and still be able to smile. God bless her soul.
Damn. Elizabeth Smart has more courage than anyone I've ever met. Thank you for speaking out, to help other survivors!
I can't even find the words to describe my feelings while listening to this incredible young woman. May God bless her.
What a sweet, strong,
beautiful woman...
God bless you Elizabeth...
Omg I'm soooooooo humbled. Her courage to fight being a victim . Gives me inspiration. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜