Elizabeth Smart has taken to Instagram to reveal that she is ‘grateful’ for her kidnapping at just 14 years of age.
Smart was held captive for nine months by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee back in 2002.
WATCH: Elizabeth Smart seen having fun with family during Greece holiday
In a lengthy Instagram post, Elizabeth reveals that she is “grateful” for what happened because of what it has allowed her to do.
“I never thought I would say that I’m grateful for what happened to me as a 14 year old girl (sic) but I can honestly say that I’m not sorry it happened to me because of what it has allowed me to do, the people I’ve been able to meet, and the cause that has become and driven such a large part of my life,” Elizabeth, 31, wrote on the photo sharing app.
She added: “I’ve had the opportunity to speak to and interact with the Georgia Sheriff’s Association on the Sex Offender Registry, and the Federal Probation and Pretrial Officer Association. I know there is no perfect piece of legislation or protocol that makes surviving rape and sexual violence easy on any level but I must say I am so grateful for people who keep coming back everyday doing their best to help protect and prevent future crimes from happening.”
Smart herself admitted she can never forgive her torturers, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee for the rape she was subjected to, but said she “doesn’t have room” to stay angry at them.
Back in April Smart made TV history by bringing six survivors of America’s most famous abduction cases together to discuss their experiences and the aftermath for a Lifetime special.
Ms Smart said she hoped the programme – titled Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case – would help the young girl to “move forward” after her traumatic ordeal, Daily Mail reports.
The featured survivors comprised women who had mostly been taken in their teens, but some as young as 10.
VIDEO: Watch the trailer for the Lifetime special here
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