At just 14 years old, Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her Salt Lake City home and held captive for nine months. Her rescue became one of the most high-profile child abduction cases in U.S. history. But Elizabeth turned her trauma into a lifelong mission—to protect other children from sexual violence and trafficking. In 2011, she founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, embodying the motto “Bringing hope & stopping victimization.” (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)From Survivor to Advocate Elizabeth’s experience of enduring daily abuse transformed into a powerful advocacy tool. She testified against her captors and used her public platform to shine a spotlight on predatory crimes. The Foundation she created focuses on prevention, healing, and advocacy—with survivor-led programs that address the root causes and long-term impact of sexual violence. (Elizabeth Smart Foundation)A Unified Force: Merger with the Malouf Foundation In 2022, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation officially merged with the Malouf Foundation—expanding its reach in combating child exploitation and trafficking. The move strategically pooled resources and amplified efforts to support survivors and educate communities. (Furniture Today)Core Programs That Empower
These survivor-informed initiatives drive real transformation:
• Smart Defense: Self-defense training for women, fostering physical and emotional empowerment. (Utah Business)
• We Believe You: A cultural shift campaign that centers survivor voices and challenges victim-blaming narratives. (Elizabeth Smart Foundation)
• Smart Defense for Kids: Educational resources for children and caregivers on recognizing and reporting abuse. (Elizabeth Smart Foundation)
• Comprehensive Education: Trauma-informed programs that equip communities with tools for prevention, rooted in survivor perspectives. (Elizabeth Smart Foundation)
Amplifying Impact Through Outreach
Elizabeth has taken her message to every level—from Utah’s state legislature to national media:
• In 2013, she urged policymakers at Johns Hopkins University to focus on empowering children instead of cultural myths that shame them. (Wikipedia)
• Her foundation partners with law enforcement, community organizations, and educational institutions to foster holistic support for survivors and at-risk youth.
Recognition and Continued Advocacy
Elizabeth’s advocacy has earned numerous honors. In 2025, she joined John Walsh in advocating for protections against child exploitation at the Utah State Capitol. (Elizabeth Smart Foundation) More recently, she spoke alongside Breaking the Chains in Fresno, encouraging victims that their worth remains intact despite trauma. (ABC30 Fresno)Legacy Beyond Trauma
Today, Elizabeth is a married mother of three and continues her advocacy uncompromised. Despite profound hardship, she affirms:
“March 12th is … a reminder that miracles happen … a bright moment … never give up.” (People.com)Why the Foundation Matters
• Survivor Leadership — The Foundation is led by a survivor who combines deep empathy with effective action.
• Trauma-Informed Approach — Programs are designed with psychological safety and dignity in mind—especially critical for children.
• Cultural Influence — Elizabeth’s public presence disarms stigma and transforms societal narratives around sexual violence.
• Collaborative Power — From legislative halls to grassroots, the Foundation multiplies its reach through strategic alliances.
• Prevention First — By educating and protecting before harm occurs, the organization addresses cycles of victimization.
Get Involved — Be Part of the Solution
• Support or donate to fund programs like Smart Defense and educational outreach.
• Champion change: Help expand prevention education in your community or workplace.
• Amplify awareness: Advocate survivor narratives that dismantle shame and cultivate safety.
Elizabeth Smart took a life-altering tragedy and transformed it into a force that protects others. Her foundation stands as a testament to the power of resilience—proving that with courage and compassion, we can bring hope and stop victimization.Would you like a visual PDF version of this article, or a campaign-ready one-pager for outreach featuring the Foundation’s key programs and quotes?References
• Elizabeth Smart biography & foundation details: (Wikipedia, Elizabeth Smart Foundation)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Smart
https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/press-releases/malouf-foundation-partnership
• Program specifics: (Elizabeth Smart Foundation) https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/victory-club-about
• Foundation merger: (Furniture Today) https://www.furnituretoday.com/bedding-manufacturers/malouf-foundation-elizabeth-smart-foundation-merge-on-joint-mission-to-fight-child-exploitation
• Speeches & advocacy: (Wikipedia, The Christian Science Monitor, Elizabeth Smart Foundation, ABC30 Fresno)
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Smart-Gilmour
https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0504/Elizabeth-Smart-speaks-on-human-trafficking
https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/in-the-news/elizabeth-smart-john-walsh-call-on-community-to-fight-sexual-violence
https://abc30.com/post/elizabeth-smart-speaks-human-trafficking-fresno/16371254/
• Personal narrative & resilience: (People.com) https://people.com/where-is-elizabeth-smart-now-8642339