Elizabeth Smart Visits North Dakota

Elizabeth Smart’s case in 2002 is considered one of the most well–known child abductions of all time.

Smart is in Grand Forks signing books and talking about her long ordeal.

Nearly 13 years ago, Elizabeth Smart, then 14, was taken from her bed in Utah and held prisoner for 9 months by Brian Mitchel and Wanda Barzee.

She was sexually abused, tied up and threatened with death before escaping in march 2003. Those at her book signing remember it to this day.

Lez Meyer who has read her book said, “We had prayed so much for her and her safe return and I think relief. But more than anything just I was scared for her and everything she’d gone through.”

Delta Gamma member Molly Frank said, “Just how she could go through something like that and recover to how she is and how strong she is. I think that she’s just an absolutely beautiful woman.”

Elizabeth is now 27, married and travels the country to express the need in protecting children against sexual and violent crimes. She talked about it at a recent Tedx event.

“It is so scary coming forward and saying i was sexually abused, I was hurt. Someone stole something from me that’ll never get back. But i have to tell you, it is so important to come forward and share your stories and speak out about it,” said Smart.

As Elizabeth has evolved from victim to advocate, she says that through her suffering she can now help others.

“Don’t give up, don’t surrender, move forward because, you never know what you’ll be able to with it, you never know the lives you are able to touch,”said Smart

Elizabeth spoke at Chester Fritz Auditorium tonight. It was free and open to the public.