Ohio Kidnap Victims Break Silence, Release First Pics And Video

The Ohio kidnap victims have released a straightforward video, The Inquisitr reported earlier, thanking supporters and (to be direct) explaining that the space they’ve had to heal thus far has been instrumental in recovering from their “ordeal.”

The Ohio kidnap victim video is short and to the point, depicting Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight for the first time since their dramatic rescue earlier this year.

There is a lot striking about the Cleveland kidnap victims scant months after the trauma they endured for years finally drew to a close when neighbor Charles Ramsey aided in summoning police and extricating the women from their prison while captor Ariel Castro was out of the home.

One is that all three appear, in the video at least, to be happy, healthy, and even somewhat made over — all three are sporting updated haircuts and look nearly like they’ve got a job interview.

The other is perhaps what is slightly unexpected joy — while Berry, DeJesus, and Knight have been through an unbelievably lengthy ordeal and captivity, all three are marked by not only palpable gratitude but a vibrating and enthusiastic happiness about the future.

In the clip, the Ohio kidnap victims stress that privacy has made all the difference in their recovery, but say the move to speak out for the first time was prompted by the number of people recognizing them in day to day life. Knight’s lawyer Kathy Joseph explains:

People are recognizing them now as they go about in public, so they decided to put voices and faces to their heartfelt messages.

Amanda Berry, who prompted the rescue when she alerted Ramsay, began by explaining that she is healing, and said:

“I want everyone to know how happy I am to be home with my family and my friends…. I’m getting stronger each day, and having my privacy has helped immensely.”

DeJesus was the least chatty of the three, and appearing with her parents, said to those who’d made donations:

“I would say thank you for your support.”

Knight was the final and most verbose of the Ohio kidnap victims, and perhaps the most visibly happy to be free. Speaking at length comparatively, she said:

“I may have been through hell and back, but I’m strong enough to walk through hell with a smile on my face, and with my head held high, and my feet firmly on the ground.”

During DeJesus’ segment, the Ohio kidnap victim’s mom urged those in similar situations to “count on … neighbors” and added not to “be afraid to ask for the help because help is available.”