ELIZABETH SMART WILL SPEAK AT SENTENCING

SPEAKING UP

KIDNAP victim Elizabeth Smart is planning to speak during the sentencing hearing for her kidnapper Brian David Mitchell.
As a 14-year-old Smart was taken from her home at knifepoint raped her and held her captive for nine months by Mitchell and his wife Wanda Ileen Barzee.
He was found guilty of federal kidnapping and unlawful transportation charges in December and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Throughout most of the case, Smart maintained a dignified silence but now she says her goal is to not only speak for her case, but also for other victims.
"I hope it gives others hope that they can speak out and not be scared to face their captor," Smart told KUTV.

Once the sentencing hearing is over, Smart hopes to continue work as an advocate for children and victims of crime, especially kidnapping.
She has started the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and her first goal is to get the RADkids program in public schools. RAD, which stands for "Resist Aggression Defensively," teaches kids specific techniques to get away from would-be attackers.
She will also complete two more semesters at Brigham Young University before graduating with a degree in music after which she is thinking about possibly pursuing a career as an attorney to help crime victims further.