PRESS releases
Elizabeth Smart Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary of Rescue from Kidnappers
March 12, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of Elizabeth Smart’s rescue, an uplifting conclusion to the most-followed child abduction case in United States history. In 2002, at age 14, Smart was kidnapped from her home and held captive for nine months. During her captivity, she endured daily sexual assault, starvation and abuse at the hands of her kidnappers. Thanks to public awareness surrounding her disappearance, and a watchful community in her hometown of Salt Lake City, Smart was identified by a bystander and able to return home.
Elizabeth Smart Foundation Works with Southern Utah University to Offer Smart Defense™ as College Course
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF) is working with Southern Utah University (SUU) to offer Smart Defense™ self-defense classes to students enrolled at SUU. Smart Defense™ will be a one-credit elective course offered during the fall and spring semesters at SUU. This year’s fall schedule is full, but students can sign up for Smart Defense™ during future enrollment periods. Smart Defense™ is included under SUU’s Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation.
Elizabeth Smart Foundation Begins Season Three of Smart Talks Podcast
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF) has released its third season of Smart Talks. Smart Talks is a weekly podcast where survivor and advocate Elizabeth Smart interviews therapists in different modalities, survivors of trafficking and abuse, and experts in the anti-violence field as they share resources and stories of empowerment, recovery and hope.
Elizabeth Smart Foundation Announces Women’s Self-Defense Training in Colorado Springs
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF) is excited to announce a Colorado Springs location for their Smart Defense self-defense training program. Classes are held in four-week sessions at the Iron Roots Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym—owned by husband-wife duo Erin Johnson and Dan Ries.
Elizabeth Smart Foundation Officially Becomes Part of the Malouf Foundation™
During a press conference on January 5, 2022, representatives from the Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF) announced that their organization was becoming a part of the Malouf Foundation™, a Utah-based 501(c)3 public charity founded by Sam and Kacie Malouf in 2016.
Elizabeth Smart Foundation and Malouf Foundation™ Partner for ‘We Believe You’ Campaign
The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF) and the Malouf Foundation™ are partnering on the We Believe You campaign in the month of November. Launched in 2020 by ESF, the campaign aims to recognize the positive impact individuals can have on survivors of sexual violence simply by believing their stories.