Elizabeth Smart
Elizabeth Smart
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Elizabeth Ann Smart is her full name. She is often referred to as Liz.
Birth and Death Dates
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Elizabeth Smart was born on November 3, 1987. As of my knowledge cutoff, she is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Elizabeth Smart is an American, by birth and nationality. Her profession has been multifaceted, with notable contributions in the realms of advocacy, public speaking, and writing.
Early Life and Background
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Elizabeth was born to Ed and Lois Smart, a devout Mormon family living in Salt Lake City, Utah. She had two younger sisters, Mary Katherine and Anne Elizabeth. Her early life was marked by a strong sense of faith and an idyllic upbringing. However, her childhood took a dramatic turn when she was abducted at the age of 14.
Major Accomplishments
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In 2002, Elizabeth Smart's kidnapper, Brian David Mitchell, abducted her from her bedroom in the middle of the night. She was held captive for nine months, subjected to physical and emotional abuse, before being rescued by police on March 12, 2003. Her experience led her to become an outspoken advocate for victims' rights and a vocal critic of the justice system's handling of child abduction cases.
Notable Works or Actions
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Elizabeth Smart has used her platform to raise awareness about the issue of child abduction and its lasting impact on survivors. Some notable works and actions include:
She authored the memoir "My Story" in 2003, which details her experiences during captivity.
Elizabeth has given numerous public speeches and interviews, sharing her story with the world and raising awareness about the importance of preventing child abductions.
* In 2018, she co-founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to support victims' families and provide resources for prevention and intervention.
Impact and Legacy
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Elizabeth's kidnapping experience and subsequent advocacy work have left an indelible mark on the nation. Her courage in sharing her story has helped raise awareness about child abduction and its devastating consequences. She continues to inspire countless people with her resilience, determination, and commitment to creating positive change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Elizabeth Smart is widely quoted and remembered for her powerful testimony and unwavering dedication to supporting victims' families. Her bravery in sharing her story has made a lasting impact on the nation's understanding of child abduction and its long-term effects. As a result, she continues to be sought out as a speaker and advocate, inspiring others with her courage and determination.
Elizabeth Smart's life is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her advocacy work and public speaking have made a lasting impact on the nation, ensuring that her story will continue to inspire generations to come.
Quotes by Elizabeth Smart
My parents have raised me to believe in a kind and a loving God and someone who cares about me, who is always there for me, and who would never wish harm or illness or any kind of tragedy upon me.
I can say I have forgiven my captors. That being said, I never want to see them again. I'm not OK with they did to me.
That was very comforting to me to hold onto that belief, that I did have a heavenly Father who was watching over me.
I don't feel famous personally, and I feel like when most people get to know me, they're like, 'Oh, she's just the same as everybody else.'
Privacy is so sacred, and any time a victim is returned, a survivor is found and rescued, privacy is one of the greatest gifts we can give them because if they decide to share, that's up to them, and they will come forward.
I'm grateful for rain because, when I was kidnapped, that meant that I had something to drink.
It is wrong for any person to ever judge someone in any situation saying, 'Well, why didn't you try to run? Why didn't you scream? Why didn't you try to do something?' That is so wrong and, frankly, offensive to even ask that question.
Even when I get on airplanes, very often, as I walk down the aisle, I notice a lot of people staring or whispering. I recognize the fact that yes, to a lot of people, I will always be that 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped and who was held captive.