Elizabeth Smart 2025: 7 Critical Updates On Her Life, New Book 'Detours,' And Ongoing Fight For Survivors

Elizabeth Smart remains one of the most powerful voices in child safety and survivor advocacy today, nearly two decades after her harrowing abduction and rescue. As of December 10, 2025, her work is focused heavily on mental wellness advocacy and the release of her latest, highly anticipated book, which offers a roadmap for moving past trauma. Her story, which began with a nightmare in Salt Lake City, Utah, has evolved into a global platform dedicated to ensuring that no other child endures a similar fate.

Her current initiatives go beyond recounting her own experience; they are centered on systemic change, promoting national legislation, and fostering a culture where survivors of sexual assault and abuse are believed and supported. This article details the most recent, critical updates on her life, her professional endeavors, and the enduring legacy of her foundation.

The Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Smart: A Complete Profile

Elizabeth Ann Gilmour (née Smart) is an American child safety activist, commentator, and author who turned her personal tragedy into a lifelong mission for change. Her biography is a testament to resilience and the power of hope.

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• Full Name: Elizabeth Ann Gilmour (née Smart)
• Born: November 3, 1987 (Age 38 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
• Spouse: Matthew Gilmour (m. 2012)
• Children: Three (Two daughters and one son)
• The Abduction: On June 5, 2002, at age 14, she was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee.
• The Rescue: She was found and rescued by police on March 12, 2003, after nine months in captivity.
• Education: Graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in Music.
• Current Roles: Child Safety Activist, ABC News Contributor, Keynote Speaker, and Founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.
• Key Advocacy: Promoting the National AMBER Alert system and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.
• Notable Books: My Story (2013), Where There’s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up (2018), and the upcoming Detours: Hope & Growth After Life's Hardest Turns (2025).

The Latest Chapter: Elizabeth Smart’s New Book and 2025 Advocacy Focus

Elizabeth Smart has transitioned from survivor to a leading global advocate, and her work in 2025 highlights a strong focus on mental health and creating a supportive environment for recovery. Her latest book and speaking circuit reflect a deeper dive into the mechanics of healing.

1. The Highly Anticipated Release of 'Detours'

The most current and significant update in Elizabeth Smart’s professional life is the release of her new book, “Detours: Hope & Growth After Life's Hardest Turns,” scheduled for publication on December 16, 2025.

This book is described as a short, focused memoir-meets-guide that centers on recovery and empowerment. Unlike her previous works, which detailed the events of her kidnapping and the immediate aftermath, Detours is positioned to be a powerful, inspiring guide for anyone navigating life’s unexpected hardships. It focuses on embracing resilience and finding the strength to reclaim one's life after experiencing profound trauma.

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2. Keynote Speaker Engagements and 2025 Tour Dates

Smart continues to be a highly sought-after motivational and keynote speaker, using her platform to drive crucial conversations about child safety and sexual assault prevention. Her schedule for 2025 includes major events across the country, underscoring her commitment to direct engagement with communities and advocates.

• Ohio CASA Conference: She is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Ohio CASA’s 2025 Celebrate Kids! Conference, focusing on the critical role of hope in surviving an ordeal and the importance of child advocacy.
• Araminta Benefit Dinner: Smart is the featured speaker for the Araminta Freedom Initiative's 2025 Benefit Dinner, an event dedicated to fighting human trafficking and supporting survivors.
• Chrysalis Luncheon: She has been announced as the speaker for the 2025 Annual Chrysalis Luncheon, where she will speak as a mental wellness advocate, emphasizing the necessity of accessible mental health care for survivors.

3. The 'We Believe You' Advocacy Campaign

A central tenet of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation’s current work is the “We Believe You” campaign. This initiative directly addresses the cultural and systemic failures that often plague survivors of sexual assault and abuse. The campaign advocates for believing survivors from the outset, a critical step in the healing process that reduces the secondary trauma caused by skepticism and victim-blaming. This focus is part of a broader shift in advocacy to not only prevent abuse but also to empower those who have survived it.

Elizabeth Smart Foundation: Driving Legislative and Cultural Change

The Elizabeth Smart Foundation (ESF), founded in 2011, is the primary vehicle for her advocacy. The foundation's mission is to promote hope and prevent victimization through education and legislative action. In 2025, the foundation has been involved in several key developments and collaborations.

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4. Securing Major Foundation Support in Late 2025

In November 2025, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation received a significant financial boost through a $60,000 donation from a corporate partner. This funding is earmarked to empower and support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, demonstrating the foundation's continued ability to secure resources for its vital programs. These funds are crucial for sustaining the foundation's educational outreach and direct support services for victims.

5. Enduring Influence on National Legislation

Smart's personal journey has directly shaped federal law, a legacy that continues to be reinforced through her current advocacy. She remains a vocal proponent for the effective implementation and enhancement of key child safety measures.

• AMBER Alert: She has long helped promote the national AMBER Alert system, a critical tool for the rapid dissemination of information about missing children.
• Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act: Smart’s work has supported this federal law, which established a national system for tracking convicted sex offenders and improved government coordination to protect children.

6. The Focus on Mental Wellness and Trauma Recovery

Beyond legislative and safety measures, Elizabeth Smart has become a prominent voice for mental wellness. She openly discusses the importance of therapy, professional help, and community support in overcoming trauma. Her public speaking often emphasizes that survival is not the end of the journey; recovery is a continuous process that requires self-compassion and accessible mental health resources. This message is particularly resonant in 2025, as public discourse increasingly recognizes the long-term psychological impact of trauma.

7. A Commentator for ABC News

To keep her message in the national spotlight, Elizabeth Smart serves as a commentator for ABC News. This role allows her to provide expert analysis and a survivor’s perspective on current events related to missing persons, child safety, and sexual assault cases. Her commentary ensures her voice is heard on a consistent basis, influencing public perception and policy discussions at the highest levels.

In summary, Elizabeth Smart’s life in 2025 is defined by an unwavering commitment to advocacy. From the highly anticipated release of her new book, Detours, to her numerous keynote appearances and the ongoing work of her foundation, she continues to be a beacon of hope, proving that one can not only survive the unthinkable but also use that experience to change the world for the better. Her work is a powerful reminder that every survivor’s story is a critical part of the larger movement toward safety and healing.