Chelsea Weidman

Survivor Not Victim Chelsea Weidman

On July 18, 2016, I was like any other young adult. I was a recovering addict who had made a life for herself. I had a full-time job, aspirations for college, and living with my two best friends. We also had two pets. What could go wrong? Well, I can tell you what could happen. Three men could follow me, decide they want to kidnap me, and make their move. Why would three men want to kidnap a 24-year-old? That is what I thought before I was taken. I lived in an apartment above a garage. I was repeatedly raped, tortured, in their secret garage, worked as a prostitute, drugged, and forced to bear their five children. The men who took 15 years of my life were a restaurant owner, obstetrician, and police officer. They were three men who could be anyone, just your average guys. When I escaped on August 25, 2031 at 12:04 PM, I became something of a celebrity, victim, and role model. I prefer the term "survivor."