Ohio Kidnapping Victims Speak Out, Thank Public for Support (VIDEO)
The three women held in the famous Ohio kidnapping case have finally broken their silence and spoken to the public in a video released to the public. All three thanked the public for their support and concern as they continue to heal.
Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight came together in the short video, which was their first time together in the public eye. They wanted to release the video to let people know that they were doing well and appreciated all people had been doing for them since their rescue.
"I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face and my head held high," Knight said. "I will not let the situation dictate who I am. I will define the situation. I don't want to be consumed by hatred."
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Knight was held the longest and spent time with Gina DeJesus' family after being rescued. She was not ready to deal with her family, who respected her decision. Knight was severely beaten by captor Ariel Castro and suffered at least five miscarriages at Castro's hands. She was a single mother who lost custody of her young son and then vanished in 2002.
Berry, who has been seen the most in public since May, also contributed to the video. She has a 6-year-old daughter with Castro and is busy rebuilding her life after "this entire ordeal." Berry was the one who broke out of the house and managed to get help for herself, her daughter, DeJesus, and Knight.
DeJesus has also ventured out into the public, going to a hair salon for the first time since her release and spending Mother's Day with her family. She also adopted one of the dogs kept at Castro's home, a small terrier-poodle mix puppy. Castro would reportedly let the girls play with the dogs after they'd been abused, then take them away as punishment.
All three young women appear to be much healthier and happier, which is a positive sign. Castro remains in prison on a host of charges and is unlikely to be out anytime soon.
Watch the video HERE:
