Final Essay On Victimology And Elizabeth Smart

Final Essay on Victimology and Elizabeth Smart

Victims of crime often face life-altering circumstances that influence their psychological wellbeing, outlook on life, and interactions with others. The case of Elizabeth Smart exemplifies resilience and transformation following a traumatic experience. Kidnapped at the age of fourteen from her Utah home in 2002, Smart endured a harrowing captivity that involved physical assault, sexual abuse, and psychological manipulation by her captors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee (Biography.com Editors, 2014). Her story not only highlights the severe impact of victimization but also demonstrates how victims can transcend their trauma to advocate for others and promote awareness about victim rights and safety.

Case Background and Details of the Crime

Elizabeth Smart’s abduction was a meticulously planned act executed by Mitchell, who entered her home at night, threatening her with a knife, and forcing her into captivity. She was kept under oppressive conditions, restrained with a steel cable, and subjected to daily sexual assaults by Mitchell and Barzee during a captivity that lasted nine months (McLaughlin, 2015). The abduction was further complicated by the fact that Mitchell proclaimed himself a prophet and performed a wedding ceremony with Smart, asserting a spiritual justification for his actions (Biography.com Editors, 2014). The kidnappers moved frequently between Utah and California, and Smart's captivity involved intense physical and emotional abuse, creating significant barriers to her potential escape.

Theoretical Approaches to Victimization in Smart’s Case

Analyzing Smart’s victimization through criminological theories offers insights into the complexities of her experience. Hans von Hentig’s victimology theory emphasizes characteristics that increase vulnerability; in Smart’s case, her age and perceived physical weakness were relevant risk factors (Sanchez, n.d.). Additionally, her youth and emotional immaturity potentially impaired her ability to recognize danger or communicate distress effectively, thus limiting her chances of escape or rescue (Hentig, 1948). Furthermore, the Routine Activities Theory elucidates how Mitchell’s familiarity with Smart’s religious upbringing provided him with opportunities to target her; his knowledge of her routines and beliefs made her an ideal victim (Wikström, 2009). Mitchell's proximity within her community and shared religious background enabled him to manipulate and control her, demonstrating how offenders often exploit routine contact in victimization.

The Role of Personal and Cultural Factors

Smart’s religious background as a Mormon played a significant role in her victimization. Mitchell, who was also a member of the same church, was aware of her religious values and used this knowledge to undermine her adherence to church doctrines, which included prohibitions against premarital sex and inappropriate behavior. This exploitation aligns with the Routine Activities Theory, emphasizing how offenders target individuals based on their routines and personal beliefs (Wikström, 2009). Mitchell's manipulation aimed to rupture her religious identity and moral framework, thereby strengthening his control and justification for his actions.

Media Coverage and Public Response

The media played a pivotal role during and after Elizabeth Smart’s disappearance. Extensive coverage, including posters, news reports, and televised programs, mobilized public efforts to locate her (McLaughlin, 2015). The relentless media attention garnered emotional support from the public, yet in some cases led to victim-blaming and skepticism, with some questioning her family’s role in her abduction. Such responses highlight the complex societal perceptions of victimhood and the importance of media responsibility. Mitchell’s eventual capture on the television program "America’s Most Wanted" exemplifies the power of media-driven investigations, which significantly contributed to his arrest and the recovery of Smart (Biography.com Editors, 2014).

Legal Outcomes and Rehabilitation

Mitchell was convicted in 2010 to life imprisonment without parole, and Barzee received a 15-year sentence for their crimes (Biography.com Editors, 2014). Elizabeth Smart’s recovery journey extended beyond physical rescue. She engaged in therapy and advocacy, transforming her trauma into activism through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which seeks to prevent similar crimes and support victims (IRSC, 2015). Her public appearances, authorship of her autobiography "My Story," and participation in self-defense initiatives exemplify her resilience and commitment to empowering others (CNN Wire, 2020). Such efforts underscore how victims can leverage their experiences to foster societal change and promote victim rights awareness.

Impacts and Lessons Learned

Smart’s case illustrates that victimization does not define an individual’s future. Despite the ordeal, she emerged as a strong advocate, highlighting the importance of mental health support, community awareness, and legal justice in victim recovery. Her activism and media engagement promote a holistic approach to victim support systems, emphasizing resilience and empowerment rather than shame or silence (Wikström, 2009). Furthermore, her story sheds light on the importance of recognizing victim vulnerabilities and addressing societal factors that may increase risk, such as situational exploitation and community knowledge of offenders.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Smart’s experience sheds light on the complex interplay of personal vulnerabilities, cultural influences, and societal responses in victimization. Applying criminological theories, such as those of Hentig and Wikström, deepens understanding of the factors that contribute to victim vulnerability and offender opportunity. Her remarkable recovery and ongoing advocacy demonstrate the resilience possible after trauma and the importance of societal support and awareness. Despite the tragic circumstances of her kidnapping, Smart’s story is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of advocacy aligned with justice and victim support.

References

• Biography.com Editors. (2014, April 2). Elizabeth Smart Biography. A&E Television Networks. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/person/elizabeth-smart
• CNN Wire. (2020, February 7). Elizabeth Smart starts self-defense program after she says she was assaulted on a flight. FOX 4 NEWS. Retrieved from https://www.fox4news.com
• IRSC. (2015, April 2). CCJ4666 Victimology – Module 3 – Murder, Sex Offenses, and Intimate Partner Violence. IRSC.
• McLaughlin, C.M. (2015). Fear or Love: Examining Stockholm Syndrome in Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping Case. Salem State University.
• Sanchez, S. (n.d.). SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the America Criminal Justice System: 1.14. Victims and Victim Typologies. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
• Wikström, P.H. (2009, December 14). Routine Activity Theories. Criminology. Retrieved from https://criminology.com
• Hentig, H. von. (1948). The Criminal and His Victim: Studies in the Sociobiology of Crime. Yale University Press.