Alicia’s kidnapping survival story

[@AnthonyPadilla]

come back next week for *I spent a day with KURTIS CONNER* MEMBERS WATCH UNCENSORED & AD FREE ▸ kzbin.infojoin SPOTIFY ▸ open.spotify.com/show/5aOLuPenneHbhLh05fmkeu

[@Stella_Octangula]

can’t wait!!

[@obvrak]

.

[@hernanmonroymedina9100]

First

[@nenev]

hey

[@abstra9]

Hey padilla

[@teenyTinyToping]

It’s insane how just “popping outside” turned into this. Grooming is absolutely insane and many don’t realize they’re being groomed until it’s too late

[@daylen577]

That's the point of grooming, it only works because the victim doesn't realize it's happening

[@cab4cab]

Yeah education for young kids needs to be done, but it's not being done because many parents are 'uncomfortable' 9f the topic. From a young age (don't recommend, but it helped) my mother let me watch a bunch of crime shows, and it did document grooming, so by the time I got on the Internet, I was able to protect myself - and actually did prevent some situations from happening.

[@sinnamonbun]

I can say now that there was 100% a moment in my life that I suddenly realised I had been groomed, sadly after everything had happened

[@sinnamonbun]

​@@cab4cabyeah.. unfortunately I was given full access to the internet from a VERY young age, with no supervision or lessons on internet safety, now schools are trying to teach it but it's too late because it's already happened to me

[@moonrilnonloso2709]

@@sinnamonbun same, I realised that only now... after 20 years lol

[@rue353]

I love how sensitively Anthony handles interviews like this, which is important considering many victims are traumatised further by poorly conducted interviews.

[@solace6700]

Are you serious? this idiot comes crashing in from the ceiling and starts plugging his paid membership while hyping up the video like a mrbeast intro. you have to be a child to think this guy is even a little sensitive.

[@KisuMocha]

traumatized*

[@astgdX]

Chicken nuggies

[@Kristiekins2]

@@KisuMocha traumatised is British English, it's correct depending on where you're from

[@elizabethbrown5289]

Agreed. Even his body language is different.

[@avabergren5820]

This. THIS is how you do true crime. Victims sharing their stories to create positive change. Not speaking over victims and their families without permission for entertainment purposes. Anthony never disappoints

[@222222ania]

Shut up

[@girld1ck]

SAY IT OUT LOUDER!!

[@alchemyofcolorandstyle]

I agree with this!!

[@Ilive_420]

What if it's old and they're dead?

[@bencastor9207]

​@@selene1391 you missed the point.

[@Akka992]

How can someone who kidnaps a child and tortures them ever be released? That should be life imprisonment minimum

[@convulsiive]

it’s so hard to wrap my mind around and it sounded like he intended to kill her too. he should not have been let out

[@Jess-Rabbit]

Exactly! What's even weirder is that the guy was livestreaming child r*ape so how was that not tacked on his sentence? He should be charged for child porn, kidnapping, multiple counts of rape, etc. How could he get out?! Ughhh

[@belladonnahigh9206]

I think someone should pay him a visit.

[@bvmheart]

How can someone claim my comment about the evil Predator being so ugly is considered cyberbullying? Who's monitoring the internet Sharia law where women have no rights

[@PatchesNeddy]

Bravo! This person's parents must be so proud! Such a courageous young woman! So much respect

[@Colecruzin]

The fact he live streamed it is sick and the fact that one of his viewers was the reason the cops found her is insane

[@jujufe9]

no because this is just terrifying, I'm so glad she's safe

[@nikr9240]

Ive heard of people watching those types of videos and trying to match them to missing children to report it and i believe there are professional teams that watch these videos to find missing children also. Sometimes the viewers are trying to help if they can. Sadly not enough but there are good people trying to save these kids.

[@Colecruzin]

@@nikr9240 true but they were saying that this guy just happened to recognize her but he actually enjoyed that sickos content but then realized who it was

[@OPJuiceBox]

​@@nikr9240kinda dangerous and dumb They could be sent to jail for watching that

[@Zeniiichan]

​@@OPJuiceBox yes but that guy would have to live with the weight of guilt of potentially having the possibility of saving a life and not act upon it. I'm pretty sure he thought about it before calling the cops, but that was the choice he made at the end.

[@ShaneCM]

This is a terrifying story. I’m glad she survived. I wish people would stop telling her “you’re so lucky”.

[@jdlasked]

Fr

[@RePlayQ]

Literally, along the lines of “you’re so lucky you survived cancer” bro… I had cancer lmao

[@gaminglegend]

@@RePlayQ There's a difference between sympathy and pity

[@hllywdunddnnpnt]

Yeah, ultimately she is lucky to have survived given how she had no control over the situation and that the chances of making it out alive were extremely low back then, which she has obviously made peace with that. But dude she went through such a traumatic experience at such an innocent age, how can anyone tell her that she was so lucky to go through that, just because she was rescued. She still went through that traumatic experience which will stick with her for the rest of her life and even though she has remarkably turned that traumatic experience into a positive through spreading awareness, that trauma is still there.

[@hllywdunddnnpnt]

​@@RePlayQ haha yeah, "you're so lucky you survived cancer". ```I wish I was lucky enough TO GET cancer and survive...``` lol

[@LauraDora124]

How can anyone say it’s “just” 4 days? 4 days of physical/s*xual abuse, torture, neglect, not knowing what will happen next? I can only imagine how long each hour, each day felt. How can anyone downplay this? As if it wouldn’t affect them all that much if it happened to them? Even if someone was found the same day, they still would’ve been terrified and live with the physical/mental scars of what was done to them. Trauma is trauma. People are really all talk when they don’t think it’ll happen to them and it’s disgusting. Someone has gone through something horrific, don’t minimise their experience!

[@nickdavis965]

Exactly, people get r.ped ONCE and it is life altering. You dont just say "oh well, you werent held captive so, its ok right?"...no...its so stupid.

[@irissupercoolsy]

Even if it was an hour or a minute... Doesn't matter! If something terrifying happens, it's always super sad and they SHOULD speak out about it if it makes them feel better

[@ellaabbey1570]

I will never understand telling anyone "it was just" because it wasn't just anything. It was a horrible event and there allowed to feel everything that comes with that and we should be there to hold there hand and tell them it gets better I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere

[@ashleyvanhalst5729]

Literally like it’s not the length of time which makes it scary it’s what’s happening

[@Meg.Loves.Stationery]

And she was 13!!

[@jax422]

One of the most horrifying parts of this story is that her kidnapper had a 12 year old daughter himself who was living with him over winter break. He sent his daughter back to go live with her mother the same day he kidnapped Alicia.

[@LivvyRosee]

That’s just wrong.

[@ann_meow]

Do you know the fate of his daughter? Was she okay? I mean, if he did that to Alicia, god knows what he could have done to the daughter. Maybe he differentiated them, but still, that's messed up.

[@Wwjd711]

That’s Messed up. Is his daughters mother a victim of rape?

[@imanirivera1]

Sick, sick, sick

[@oliviac295]

Absolutely sickening. How do you justify releasing this horrible human

[@simplylinn1533]

How people dare to say “oh it was ONLY 4 days” is beyond me. Truly just disgusting to have that response to something like this.

[@yourinnerlawyer4035]

Only 96 hours. Only 5,760 minutes. Think of how much torture can be inflicted within 60 seconds. I can’t believe anyone would say it was only 4 days, unbelievable.

[@ummmmno411]

Those 4 days must have felt like centuries

[@lina-lana7479]

Literally just thinking about it for 5 seconds is horrible for me I can't imagine how it must have felt

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

An hour feels like a lifetime when its up to someone else whether you live through it

[@jondoe-jd8nd]

You know, his support may say she was an Oracle! (regarding using her left bosom as a seer stone. (lds crap)

[@MoonMoonTM2]

It's disgusting that her kidnapper only got 17 years in jail for what he did to her.

[@meg2937]

And that he's free now

[@ItzyourfavAmy]

It should be death.

[@vanessarasanen7791]

Should of been life meaning life and then to let him out early aswell without notifying her makes me soooo angry then he free in close proximity without a ankle bracelet disgusting - Australia often fails like this aswell, it seems if U Rob the government that's worse then crimes committed against the innocent and vulnerable I get so disgusted and angry with the justice system alot the older I get the more I see the less I understand when it comes to this issue they pick and choose when they want to use the law to full force and when they let "monsters" like this out at all to reoffend which they will most likely if capable because it's been proven over and over they can not be rehabilitated and why should we give them chances anyway after the damage they do- ooooo I get so angry- I admire Alicia's calm and how peaceful she is it's obvious she would of work so hard within herself I hope she always stands proud and holds her head up high because she should - absolutely inspiration

[@LogarAcc]

@@vanessarasanen7791 An agonizing death is the only just punishment for such crimes. It serves as an example, it's cathartic for the victim, and protects other children as well. These monsters don't rehabilitate, and they impact their victims life forever, so I don't see why they should be kept alive with our tax payer money. Zero Tolerance for such crimes!

[@juliagoetia]

​@@LogarAccIronically, executions are more expensive than life imprisonment. Additionally, the death penalty ends the lives of tons of innocent people every year. Probably something best avoided. Putting them in a concrete room with no freedom for the rest of their lives is sufficient. The goal isn't revenge per say, it's to make sure he never has an opportunity to hurt anyone ever again.

[@izzyyfrizzyy]

she just came to my school just a week ago and her story was so impactful. thank you for having her here to spread her awareness more :)

[@marieneu264]

Shanda Sharer’s mom came to our school when I was younger and told us her story. It scared all of us to death, but that was a good thing. Her story was absolutely heartbreaking.

[@jdlasked]

She also came to my school!

[@Snakejaguar.]

That's crazy that you guys have seen her in your school

[@CaptivatingCam]

Wow, that’s great that she could go to you guys’ school to share her experience and educate on safety!

[@Goofyygoobers]

My dog got hit by a 🚗

[@at0mic-glitter]

I’m so shocked how soft, and calm she is. I don’t even know how I could handle an ounce of that.

[@nichellekmalvous6688]

i dont know how she could speak about it i wouldn't know what to do with myself. shes very strong, sadly.

[@hurricanefrid]

I think that when you've experienced severe trauma, you kind of _have_ to be calm in order to be able to survive what comes after, because that's when you really have to deal with what happened. At least that's what I've come to realise from when people have asked me how I can be so calm when talking about the things I've been through. I have to be calm, or else I will implode.

[@americanbookdragon]

I don’t think she’s calm. I think she’s detached.

[@ClayMastah344]

That’s trauma. She didn’t know either but she HAD to. That’s where the breaks happen.

[@dianac3413]

Therapy does WONDERS!

[@jenniferburroughs7509]

I had a lump in my throat through this entire story. At 14, in 1985, before the internet, I placed an ad in a teen magazine for pen pals. I got a years worth of phone calls from someone states away, pretending to be a teenager himself. I was so naïve, insecure, and flattered by the attention. A telephone operator called my mother and told her that there had been complaints about this guy calling other young girls. It was a day later that he called me and told me that he was around the corner from my house. I called a couple of friends and told them that I was going to meet him and try to talk him into going home. I will never forget coming face to face with him, he was a grown man. I was terrified and desperate to get him to leave without my parents knowing. He kissed me, tried to coerce me into going to a hotel with him. Thank God a neighbor thought that something was off when she saw me with him and called the police. Long story short, the police and my parents finding out probably saved my life.

[@Awidferd]

Oh... my god I'm so sorry you had to go through that Thank you so much for sharing your story I'm so so glad that your neighbor saw! I'm so grateful you're still here!! you seem like an amazing person, thank you for being so brave ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Hrjhruhrjhrr]

Omg that’s terrifying! I’m glad your neighbor was sensible enough to call for help.

[@Em-mv9tv]

You are so loved, I’m glad you’re here 🤍✝️

[@itchyeyesmcrealize165]

Holy shit ....

[@jenniferburroughs7509]

@@Awidferd thank you, I'm so glad that they saw too. I'm grateful that I at least had the sense to stay out in public with him. He had really lured me in with all the sweet talk over the phone. After my mother got the phone call, it's then that it clicked that something wasn't right. I was filled with panic when he called and said that he was there and was shocked when I saw that he was so much older than he said he was. It was at that moment that I realized that my parents not finding out should not have been my focus.

[@spicypickles89]

This hit home for me so hard. I was abducted at 18 and groomed and taken to a foreign country. I was kept against my will for 5 years before I was able to escape. When I finally did everyone around me blamed me because most of society can't grasp what grooming can do to someone's mind.

[@ishami5004]

damn where did you go and what happened if you dont mind

[@BlueOwlsFly]

It is awful how people can blame a victim of a horrific crime. It’s like they’re trying to make it less awful in their heads by minimizing it in such a way. I’m glad you were able to escape and I hope you are getting the healing you need and the happiness you deserve.

[@lilyc1199]

so awful that that happened to you. it blows my mind that some can't recognize the power dynamic that comes with grooming.

[@cuttlefishagain]

yikes. sorry you had to go through that

[@walker_the_rat]

Oh my god, I'm glad you escaped from such a horrible situation, and people shouldn't blame you at all, it's not your fault

[@flowersforyouu]

the fact that this guy is free but people who sell drugs to survive or a girl who wants to get an abortion could get 15 year+ sentences is insane

[@kofibabone725]

I mean abortion is killing a person.....

[@flowersforyouu]

@@UberFoX yeah it’s not 😹

[@gloriakummer5357]

I didn’t know people who got abortions went to prison. But I agree, this is horrible what the justice system decides is good and bad.

[@flowersforyouu]

@@gloriakummer5357 yeah from what i remember it can be punishable by imprisonment in some states in the USA it’s insane

[@gloriakummer5357]

@@flowersforyouu I wonder what states… I will research more. If this is the case, we should fight against this

[@143guitar]

I was 14 when I met a guy online who showed me child porn before assaulting me. And because I went with him willingly at first, I never felt like I had a place to come forward about. The guilt about making that one decision is so powerful

[@elenawilliams32]

As long as you now realise that you were groomed and it's in no way your fault. I sincerely hope that life is being kind to you now. Take care.

[@camdecay]

your situation is one which has unfortunately happened over and over again through history (not to discount your own personal experience of course). it wasn’t the child’s fault in any of those situations, and it wasn’t yours either. when you’re 14 you lack the risk assessment skills needed to fully realize the danger of a situation like that. i know its impossible to just shut off that guilt and regret you feel, but trust me: you couldn’t have known. what happened to you was awful but i’m glad you’re still here, and i hope that you’re able/have been able to find a way to live a peaceful happy life.

[@begummm11]

You were just a kid, It is not your fault.

[@OutofContextNL-1]

It is never the kids faulth no matter the age, grooming is just manipulation to get you to do what they want.

[@indiana7311]

yea it’s ur fault but it shouldn’t have happened to u period

[@marieneu264]

14:33 I’m grateful somebody was watching and noticed her, while at the same time disgusted that there is an audience for this sort of thing. It’s like a double-edged sword. Had sickos not been watching, nobody would have been able to report her. Every single person that had been watching the live streams and that didn’t report anything, should also be in jail.

[@jdlasked]

It’s disgusting but it somehow helped

[@Adirtan]

agree, even that person is crazy disgusting, at the same time, he did report it even knowing he gets into a trouble, and that needs a lot of courage.

[@michelececcarelli5580]

I'm sure many predators are the result of unaddresed trauma driving them insane. Just saying, not justifying, they had a choice and chose harm instead of rehab

[@michelececcarelli5580]

I'm sure many predators are the result of unaddressed trauma that drives them insane. No justification, they had a choice at a point and chose harm instead of rehab

[@tacobell1299]

Its so disgusting that people watched that and didn't call the cops

[@ClayMastah344]

You do NOT. HAVE. TO FORGIVE! I love that she said that. Many people who do NOT go through these horrors or do not process them tell the freshly traumatized this and screw them up further. Forgiveness is a gift, not a goal.

[@Hempsicle]

Exactly. And I hate when people say “do it for yourself so you can heal” I’m sorry but forgiving someone who deeply wronged or hurt me isn’t going to make me feel better. We have the right to be angry about something that affects us so deeply. Anyone willing to hurt someone doesn’t deserve forgiveness.

[@BryanDiscue]

Theres a difference between forgiving someone and never wanting to see them again, with going and taking a coffee with them. You are not forced to forgive but it does help at a certain point

[@BryanDiscue]

@Siren Song exactly

[@healingthroughchrist1988]

@@Hempsicle So you'd rather hold on to the pain they caused you? Ultimately, forgiveness s about letting go of the pain that they caused and releasing yourself from their control over you even when they're no longer in your life. Every minute that the mention of their name triggers you is a minute that they still have control over you. Forgiveness does not mean letting them off the hook. It does not mean that they get away with the pain that they caused. Unforgiveness is holding to the pain that they caused. Forgiveness is letting go of the pain that they caused. And that's when the healing process begins. It's never easy to forgive. Especially if you have an emotional wound caused by betrayal and broken trust from someone you thought was your friend. The healing process is never easy and will take time. There is truth in "do it for yourself so you can heal". Sometimes the truth is offensive and unpopular. I'm skeptical of people who claimed to heal without forgiving the person who hurt them. It just seems that way because that person is no longer in your life. But does the mention of their name trigger you? For clarification, I'm not talking about PTSD when I say trigger.

[@healingthroughchrist1988]

@Siren Song Forgiveness is choosing to let go of the pain that somebody caused. It's never easy and the pain certainly doesn't vanish immediately. Healing is a process that takes time. Forgiveness is the first step to healing (or at least a desire to forgive). If you can't forgive them, then you have an emotional wound that needs healing.

[@sarahalison879]

I can't believe how soft spoken she is, she's been through so much pain but you can tell she has such a kind, lovely soul!

[@mytwocents8992]

How is a child rapist being released from prison?? He should be locked up and never released! I commend this young woman for telling her story, I wish you all the best!!

[@youtubeequalbuttoutput]

maybe people should live in fear and buy guns

[@EmilyCollins-f4d]

I bet when the other criminals found out what he was in for the was not left alone

[@BiLLz66614]

WAIT?!?!? That dude is free... oh thats gross. What a justice system we have...

[@thatgurl791]

It’s horrible. They will lock up someone for stealing a toothbrush to brush there teeth for 10 yrs and set this man and many more free. HORRIBLE!

[@PRETTY2PINK]

WHAT!

[@sylentnote]

“Justice”

[@jezz1217]

this torture deserves a life sentence or electric chair wtf

[@CherrrrBear]

He served 19 years for what he did. And then moved back near her parents 😭😭😭

[@In_TheMoonlight]

Alicia Kozak is such a great storyteller. I really appreciate her for taking the time to share her experience.

[@abbadabbado]

She is incredible.

[@srimoyeemukhopadhyay3437]

Ikr she could be a storywriter

[@cymbalchick1313]

It feels a bit scripted and practiced. I am curious if this is because she has told it so many times to others.

[@abbadabbado]

@@cymbalchick1313 she expressed that she's been a speaker for several years. She has indeed told this many times.

[@ashwinireddy4297]

She is a terrible story teller but it's sad what happened to her.

[@BlackPenzo]

When I was about 9 years old a guy followed me home and tried to touch and grab me. It took me years to see how messed up that was and how much that actually affected me. My family told me not to talk about it back then so I am glad that people like Alicia are raising awareness.

[@lauraanderson8785]

I'm so sorry that happened to you, people should not try to silence people who've gone through these things :/

[@SieMiezekatze]

That sounds horrible, I am glad now you are an adult and have the strength to realize how messed up all that was

[@ClayMastah344]

That happened to me too. They told me to keep quiet about it and blamed me.

[@maya-wn8qx]

@@ClayMastah344 it was not and has never been your fault

[@bicuriousdirtbikeboi2594]

I’m so sorry you went through that. Please never stop talking about it. Assault only thrives in silence.

[@laurak2971]

It’s disgusting that people invalidate her for it “only” being 4 days. FOURS DAYS OF THAT IS LIKE AN ETERNITY

[@pastaburglar]

"if you could dupicate this hug all over the world, there would be no more wars." that's such a beautiful sentiment.

[@Tracydot3]

It is so disgusting that the piece of trash that kidnapped and assaulted Alicia when she was just a child is free to walk. The laws against child predators are too relaxed and are a big reason why so many offenders end up offending again and doing worse and worse things as their criminal behavior progresses. I just wrote an article about Alicia for parents to help spread the word about internet safety. As a teacher and child sex abuse survivor, it is so important for kids and parents to be educated on internet safety and predators.

[@PatrickHenry-pz1pd]

Street justice needs to happen

[@madelynferez]

its disgusting people who do these things to people need life in prison, no parole.

[@CoupDerToro]

probably because a whole lot of lawmakers on either side of the aisle have buddies there to protect

[@Ilive_420]

​@@PatrickHenry-pz1pd Thank god lot of men in prison will do real justice to these scumbags.

[@kadebebesis4204]

We don’t treat sexual assault, kidnap and attempted murder as serious as we should. What our legal system doesn’t recognize is just because they didn’t end your life doesn’t mean that they didn’t fully intend too.

[@liv9822]

Grooming doesn't just happen to children it can occur with any sort of power dynamic. It's terrifying and can make you do things outside of your character because you trust them so much. This is a devastating story and I'm so glad that Alicia is still here, she is so incredibly strong.

[@ht21]

By definition it is children.

[@ElliePaget]

@@ht21grooming can occur at any age, not just children.

[@yoboi5827]

my university classes say otherwise

[@ElliePaget]

@@yoboi5827 it’s sad you’re being taught that

[@sarahskicks]

So true. It’s not like your brain just switches when you turn 18… it’s sad when it isn’t taken seriously for older people. It’s just now being talked about for kids

[@emma1458]

“If you fall from 5,000 feet or 500 feet you’re still gonna hit the ground just as hard.” That is an insane quote.

[@elligible]

@@beethistlewinery6682 false! this is basic physics: after you reach terminal velocity, it really doesn't matter how high you were. true, you likely won't reach it after 500 feet, but there isn't a difference between around 1500 feet and whatever is next.

[@bluejay-7299]

I was almost kidnapped twice as a child. It’s terrifying how many people have a similar story and how badly it could’ve gone.

[@BryanDiscue]

A drugged man was looking for me as a child and my parents and a store owner hid me because he had a machete in his hands. Latin America is wilddd.

[@Hannah-y2z]

Same, it's scary to know how easily kids can be groomed, I had literaly pedos talking to meon chatrooms in the early 2000s, there was absolutely no sense of internet safety back then.

[@LP-km7gj]

The way she describes the internet back in the day is so accurate. As a 36 year old, I remember those days vividly. To the popular kids talking to the not so popular kids to the being connected with strangers that you never gave a second thought that they weren’t your age or who they said they were. The chatrooms and all. The scary part is that it is even worse now.

[@renee7271]

It’s kind of better now, like kids now are so smart now with technology, i’m 19 but when i was a kid we were definitely told not to meet with anyone and the risks were like known already. The betinning of the internet sounds like the wild west

[@1stAshaMan]

considering every chat conversation in a random room back then included the question a/s/l, yeah, it was pretty bad

[@universal_stupidity]

I wouldn't say it's worse now. Kids now are aware of these stories. They know not everyone online is who they say they are. They are constantly told to never meet up with someone online alone (which is great advice!). there is also much more regulation on the internet now, much more reporting systems and such. The only way I would say it's worse is younger kids have more access, which is worrying.

[@LP-km7gj]

@@universal_stupidity I get there is more awareness however IMO it’s still worse. Even with that I feel like we were told back in the day to not talk to people we didn’t know. Back then we had AOL instant messenger and chat rooms. There was no multiple social media apps or cell phones with camera and video. The average kid didn’t have a way to send pictures and videos of themselves. Now there are multiple social media sites and every 10 year old it seems has a cell phone and social media. Some of the things I have seen on my kids social media is crazy as well as I can’t count the amount of times that I have been scrolling in TikTok and a video of a very young child, like 9 or 10 year old girl dancing provocatively comes up and I just think to myself…first of all where are their parents and also how many creepy people are watching this and have access to her account to continue to watch her and gather the information she is sharing without thought of the consequences.

[@universal_stupidity]

@@LP-km7gj that's fair, I think it's better in some ways and worse in other, it's definitely gotten worse since the growth of TikTok and other similar apps, even in my time on the internet, only since like 2016

[@xBloodxFangx]

Thats so crazy that people wouldn't make a big deal about being kidnapped for 4 days. It doesn't matter if she was kidnapped for one day or even one hour she still was kidnapped and tortured! What do these people want? An epic one-year saga?

[@LivvyRosee]

PREACH

[@CoupDerToro]

@@leleprtk Me too and im a dude. Some type of guys still make me nervous despite it being completely irrational

[@leleprtk]

@@CoupDerToro I’m so sorry :(

[@222cubing8]

They are saying it’s good she’s not still there, which she could be

[@jess232]

The beauty of these interviews is that Anthony just listens and holds space for people to tell their stories. He validates when necessary but he mostly just listens.

[@jessedavis3378]

Jfc, that tone shift! From talking to the guest about the most traumatic point in their life to "THANKS SO MUCH TO OUR SPONSORS! " all loud, happy, and cheerful was extraordinarily JARRING, to say the least.

[@andivoelp]

She did a presentation for my school it was incredible! love this girl shes so brave and sweet!

[@isabella2513]

“The moment before we said grace, and it was the last moment of grace in our lives”. Holy crap. That’s is beautifully and hauntingly well said.

[@sg5184]

It's sad that living through such trauma isn't enough, you have to live with it as well.

[@nichellekmalvous6688]

well said..

[@juliagoetia]

Having to live with it somehow ends up being worse than going through it in the first place ... speaking from experience.

[@sg5184]

@@juliagoetia I don't know what your experience is or was, but I'm glad that your alive and even if life hasn't delt you anything deserving of someone who has made it through hardships that no one else can truly understand. I hope you can find some semblance of joy even if for a moment maybe in a nice breeze on a warm day or hearing your new favorite song.

[@basically_link]

I was looking at her face, and I was like "I've seen her before right?" Then realized that she was on the "Kidnapping Survivors" episode. I really liked her story, so I'm happy to see more!

[@moshroomba]

YOU JUST HELPED ME FIGURE OUT WHAT I WAS THINKING!!! thanks

[@EightTobiins]

He said that in this episode?

[@basically_link]

@@EightTobiins yes, that is what I meant. I was thinking about it, and then he explained that, and I realized that she was from that episode. 👍 wasn’t trying to pretend like I figured out some grand puzzle or anything lol.

[@jarochabc2905]

Idk how y’all can like someone else’s traumatic life lol people like y’all are something else.she is bringing up awareness not entertainments

[@Raspberriicecream]

@@jarochabc2905 maybe they meant they appreciated her spreading awareness and wanted to learn more about her story. i agree with you but i think in english "like" has lots of contextual meanings

[@Bella.Parabellum]

A lot of these people who say "well, it was ONLY four days!" would themselves break down shaking and crying if a predator as much as tried to follow them around for 10 minutes, let alone handling four whole days of pain, torture, hunger and hopelessness...

[@UmuPadoru]

From such a horrible experience to being able to have so much reflection and being able to talk about it with such composedness. So much respect. I hope she keeps on healing as time goes on

[@AmandaMuse]

“more and more room to carry it (trauma) in” might be the most eloquent way to describe living with pain. Alicia is incredible. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@miaabee]

I’ve never heard anything described so perfectly. The flashbacks still happen but you’re finally free to breathe and exist when they do.

[@milespastrick3606]

the ability for her to just recall all those horrible memories while holding herself shows her character, true strength

[@kotamarie]

luck has a part in it, but also her willpower to keep going through her days held captive also attributes majorly to her survival. she is truly inspirational, her thoughts on being good and pushing a positive message after having gone through such a traumatic event shows how she is such a beautiful soul

[@daliahuerta9243]

How is it that these people get a lighter sentence than drug dealers or anything else? You can think of people that go out of their way and plot and possibly almost kill you

[@ashleyredsheep]

It's only when someone fully carries out the murder that the sentence seems to be justified. Like forcing a person to live through insane trauma is so different. It's disgusting.

[@HaileyDelaine]

It’s evil that’s what it is the only cure for an evil bastard like that is the same for a dog that bites. They should of live streamed the bastards execution.

[@MirandaCruze]

Right?! It’s ridiculous. It’s as if the law enforcement and judicial system serves to uphold the system/protect the infrastructures of our society more than to protect the people.

[@CoupDerToro]

the lawmakers and oligarchs like to protect their friends

[@SunshineSyzygy]

She's brave, smart, and so articulate. I LOVE that she refused to call him a monster. Puny little evil humans. LOVE THAT. She straight up took his power away.

[@teenyTinyToping]

The internet has come a long way. I am glad that you’re safe but there are still many who don’t understand. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone.

[@vxlley_flower5672]

"Nobody has to forgive" THANK YOU! That means a lot to me, it really really does. Much love❤

[@emma24ism]

Don't let the anger eat you alive though either. ❤

[@mememe733]

You do need to forgive yourself though, for whatever decision or actions you took that you think led to you being in a certain situation. Carrying around feelings of guilt or shame will destroy you.

[@NotReallyRebecca]

I'm sorry the let him OUT? People that commit these atrocious acts should not be able to be free. Horrible. She is strong.

[@meeeeeeeeeeeep]

As a survivor myself, I've always looked up to this incredible woman! She is amazing and has testified at Congress to bring awareness to internet predators and gone to school to speak to kids to warn them about these dangers. I can't tell you what her strength means to survivors like myself. I so look up to her.

[@KameronMcKenzie]

the way you describe life after a traumatic life event hit home for me. word for word. the healing, the dissociating, the “going back into the storm” when describing your story after you’ve stood in the sunshine. feel all of it. sending you the biggest hug and all of the love. 🤍

[@KameronMcKenzie]

would love to do an episode about cancer survivors. so much to unpack with so many social assumptions about what it’s like.

[@Gobliness_]

I really don't understand how people like this don't get life sentences because I don't know about Alicia (she seems like a very strong woman which I envy) but my life is ruined. 2-3 years ago I pressed charges against my grandfather for CSA between my 6th-12th year because I confronted him about it and recorded his confession. Despite this confession, he only got 18 months jailtime and I got notice a few months ago that he'll most likely be released early. I remember after the court case, I was watching the news and there was a story about 2 motorcyclists who were speeding on the highway, no one got hurt and no accidents and the police gave them 2 years jailtime!!! This made me cry so much because after my court case I remember being unsatisfied with the 18 months but my lawyer told me that this is a win and I should be happy that he got jailtime at all (because other than the recorded confession there was no other evidence). I felt let down and disappointed all over again. I've also been through CSA within the same time period by my father and when I asked my lawyer if I can press charges against him too, she told me it's not worth it because he suffers from psychosis so he wouldn't be sent to prison. I wish I was as strong as Alicia but unfortunately I turned into a bitter person who let my traumas win. I'm sure Alicia inspire many :)

[@KytexEdits]

Everyone is different and is affected by trauma differently, you still have a long life ahead of you. I just can't understand how people do such things at all, I'm sorry you're still being heavily affected. It's insane that he got 18 months. I say honestly, considering the hell he's putting you through present day, people like that deserve to be put in solitary for a few decades and force fed opioids and then take them away part of each day, and force them into withdrawals. That's the closest I think you can get to hell on earth, and while I'm saying some really fucked up shit right now, people like this don't deserve any better.

[@TheKaurK]

But you are incredibly strong. And you’re in the process of dealing with your trauma too. I am sure Alicia has had her own ups and downs too, and that it wasn’t just a straight forward path to where she is now. Thank you for sharing your own story. I wish these people were jailed for life- that confession should have been enough.. but none of that changes that you are a strong and wonderful person who’s dealing with more than what most people can even handle to imagine. I really hope you have and/or that you find a lot of support and sincere love in your life. Don’t for a moment believe that you aren’t strong for being exactly who you are. ❤

[@Ghostman223]

I heard somewhere, not sure this is true, but they did have a life sentence for these monsters, so they instead they ended up killing the person instead to get out of the life sentence and stay hidden in the dark, so they dropped it so the victim has a better chance of survival. Now I'm not 100% it's true. I heard of it somewhere. Not Google.

[@dantederi5062]

Put a pillow over his head while he sleeps. Old people dies in their sleep all the time

[@thekarret2066]

Oh man, that's horrible. I'm sorry those trash goblins did that to you.

[@necrobata1]

I never expected this level of positive, powerful vibe from someone who unfortunately went through this. My admiration is endless.

[@rachelles_wheels]

SO GLAD SHE SAID YOU DONT HAVE TO FORGIVE! you can begin to heal, without forgiveness

[@st8ofgray]

I'm always in awe of people who've created something so positive around their abuse. As someone who is a CSA survivor, I still have debilitating cPTSD 17 years later and I struggle to do so many things (I can't even work, I have mild agoraphobia etc). I can't even comprehend the confidence and ability to do what she does for education and awareness. I mean, she's right, it's not our (victims/survivors) jobs to do something life changing or speak out on such a scale. People like Alicia are very much appreciated.

[@shooter011]

This is so horrifying. Breaks my heart that these poor girls have to go through this at such a young age and that monstrous men like this exist.

[@annoyedkaren6726]

Remember, it’s not only girls that go through this and it’s not only men who do this!

[@alejandropetit6573]

Yeah, there are some horrifying people out there

[@blueskymaster8132]

@@annoyedkaren6726 Exactly what I was about to say.

[@plutonrond9206]

@@annoyedkaren6726 That has to be the smartest thing i've seen someone named "karen" say :D

[@annoyedkaren6726]

@@plutonrond9206 hahah, Karen isn’t my name lol! It’s from a movie, but I appreciate your compliment hahha:))

[@C4ZZC4ZZ]

The amount of times I have heard her recount of the trauma she went through and it still breaks my heart every time. Nobody deserves to go through this.

[@jayrez7464]

I was groomed by a man in his 30s when I was 12. From 12-17. He knew my age from the beginning but he told me all the things I wanted to hear and swore this was just fate and the most amazing love story there ever was. He was also married and had kids. To this day he is loved by his community and church. They have no idea who this man really is and after talking to my therapist there’s not much I can do anymore. I’m 28 now. It’s been too long apparently.

[@Goudlock]

it's so fucked up that in america, it's a "time" thing.

[@fernwitchofthedarkcastle]

Prosecution may or may not be possible, but information is always valuable. It could form part of a case against him. But it’s up to you what you do and you know what’s best for you ❤

[@cuttlefishagain]

Ugh. I'm sorry you went through that and have no recourse. I know of similar cases like this of people who were close to me. I called CPS on behalf of something a friend went through as a kid, and the person on the phone more or less laughed at me for calling about something 15 years ago. I'm like, but he's still out there just roaming free... I was sobbing out of anger/frustration. The police were nicer and said the most she could do (my friend) was file a complaint, and maybe they'd look into it just to see if he was still around kids. But like, yeah. the whole statute of limitations thing. I also know of a teacher who was grooming/abusing people and he's still just out there, not in jail. CPS supposedly investigated him at the time but nothing came of it. I'm sure it sounds like I'm bashing CPS but lol, my experiences have not always been helpful with them... The dad of one of the victims asked for my help in more recent years (I was one of the lone kids at the school who consistently called the teacher out for being a perv and people just blew me off lol), but it just seemed like we went around in circles with legally there not being anything that could be done.

[@supme7558]

Did youbwant to do it

[@xx_b33_xx]

i’m so sorry this happened to you. i hope you are doing ok and are able to heal, sending love

[@nikuyua]

she was so soft spoken throughout this entire video, despite enduring all that suffering that no one should ever go through she still had hope for the world and its so inspirational.

[@PurpleFlames87]

Even though trauma survivors are not and should not be obligated to dedicate their lives to advocacy, it's always really appreciated when they do because I'm sure it helps a lot of people in the same situation. I definitely like her approach of allowing the vunerable to feel like they can reach out and feel legitimately safe because it's often the vunerable that fall into these sorts of situations because they think the "person" on the other end really cares about them.

[@emilybayer5039]

This women is so pure hearted and kind, I’m glad she is able to show such positive messages through her story!

[@vinlennox7658]

She is wonderful

[@MitchBurns]

That transition at the beginning is super jarring!!! “….and I knew I had every reason to be afraid of the dark.” Immediately cuts to “Hello Alicia!”

[@Bon.B.]

Her saying that she realized that he was never gonna take her home it genuinely shook me I'm glad shes able to speak out on this

[@deidrebetts2936]

In regards to Alicia saying parents are uncomfortable talking to their kids about predators and we need to change that, she's right. If I was a parent, if I had a kid, I'd rather be uncomfortable and make my child uncomfortable for an hour than have them kidnapped and experience a parent's worst nightmare. That brief moment of being uncomfortable could be the one thing that stops kids from going through something no one should ever go through. The best way to think about it: "would you rather experience a brief period of discomfort or a lifetime of regret and anguish?"

[@vanessarasanen7791]

This is a tired old drum I been beating for years to several different people and when I hady daughter I told her early on to trust her instinct if someone makes U feel uncomfortable unsafe or U feel like they not genuine or have motive or agendas you don't have to explain yourself just run get out of there run home run somewhere safe don't listen or talk like protect yourself best U can Uno and I told her I don't care if it's a teacher I was careful how I presented this but did my best to make her aware but not afraid uno

[@moshroomba]

This is the first I've heard of her. Thank you from bringing attention to the awful cases and amazing people that overcame them

[@idiotsandwich4912]

Same never heard her story before which is mind blowing. How could I not have heard her story???

[@Joepage69]

It’s crazy that that person only got 17 years and somewhere in the 1970s multiple people got life sentences for smoking a joint outside of Vegas casinos.

[@Joepage69]

On top of that there are still people currently serving life sentences for possession or public smoking of marijuana, in the United States of America.

[@MathiasKp]

@@Joepage69 _"...there are still people currently serving life sentences for possession or public smoking of marijuana..."_ Do you know the names of any of these people? Or any news articles about this?

[@Joepage69]

@@MathiasKp no.

[@lucicrow]

She's so well spoken and smart, really glad there's people on earth like her, educating the youth!!

[@charmainedethierry4166]

Alicia is such a strong human my heart hurts for her

[@Zaabi1]

She’s good now be happy for her

[@HeyyitsHaylie]

@@Zaabi1She’s “good”? Lol I’m sure she’s still extremely traumatized. Talk about lack of empathy.

[@marleesgrace]

You can tell that this woman has progressed so much in healing from this trauma. She has so much grace. Alicia, you survived. You are such a brave woman and young lady. This story is heartbreaking yet so real and terrifying.

[@__sp000ky__3]

it's disgusting that they (the justice system) would allow those people to be so close to the victims and their families. That's the worst possible outcome to let those predators so close to those they hurt, like why isn't there a law or something that won't allow them to live that close to the victim

[@NixTriesHard]

That’s called a restraining order.

[@DubMikeGaming]

@@NixTriesHard 💀

[@NixTriesHard]

@@DubMikeGaming 🙉

[@rosie20098]

Exactly. It’s 1000% apart of the thrill for them to be so close

[@Blakenew127]

They are probably waiting for someone to die because of this particular flaw before they come up with the law 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@healingmelanie]

the way she speaks about how good has to be louder than evil made me so emotional. it’s not enough to just be a good person, you really have to be loudly good.❤

[@Sarah-hj4jj]

What a strong, courageous, intelligent girl! You keep telling your story, hun!! Love and light, love and light. Healing always ❤

[@EzraSnow]

Her story-telling abilities is so captivating. It took til like maybe 2 years ago for me to realized I was groomed myself? By a guy who was my brothers boyfriend at the time, he was in his late 20s and I was about 14-15. He took me to meet up with this guy to have my first kiss even, and then it just went from there. They really make you feel equal and at their magnitude. And behind that false mask is something so terrifying. I’m really proud of Alicia for her strength, and happy she was able to speak more in-depth about her story and her experience.

[@birdie_.]

God she’s such an incredible story teller of what she went through. She’s so strong to put on a brave face and relive those moments telling it again🙏🏻 Back in high school, I was walking home from school one day, it’s hardly a 5 minute walk and there’s 2 paths I could take but some upperclassmen used to always slowly drive next to me and honk and throw stuff and yell so I took the path that was empty and quiet to avoid all that. Someone came from behind and grabbed me and I just remember being frozen in fear and I couldn’t see or yell. After a few moments they lifted me down into a trash can and sped off and that’s when I noticed a neighbor in the distance had seen them try to abduct me and they abandoned their plan. Scariest moment of my life. I’ll never forget how lucky I am to be here today

[@bubsyy]

oh my god.. that is so terrifying

[@xDarkTrinityx]

The comparing pain/trauma drives me insane.. I have my own experience, way less serious than kidnapping/torture, that still angers me to this day and it happened in high school (15 years ago).

[@Sjdknifwcke]

U have all the right. No matter how many people have had worse situations, what happened to you is still not okay and it shouldnt have happened. Not a lot of people go through something like you had to. Think of it as losing your finger, it doesnt happen to a lot of people but theres people who lose arms, legs,… That doesnt mean that when someone tells u their finger got cut off ur gonna be relieved and think of how much worse it could have been, no, ur gonna get them help and u cant imagine what that must be like. Please dont tell urself ur exagerating cuz ur not❤

[@ollie72]

“it isn’t about the event it’s about how it impacts you” this is exactly what i needed to hear rn. i experienced some relatively mild assault/harassment last year and im still haunted by it at night. many many different things can be traumatic. so thankful for alicia’s advocacy

[@Byronlegrand6470]

I love how few questions Anthony asked in this one. He was still attentive and amazing at his job, but let her talk and tell her story and give her warnings without butting in at all. So sensitive and kind.

[@cuttlefishagain]

I noticed that, too

[@chiara852]

She is so well spoken and talks with such a captivating tone. Shes so strong and I'm so glad that shes okay and that she is able to talk about her experience.

[@JamiePietrowski]

Her outlook on this is so amazing. People can go on and thrive and help people, and we all matter.

[@floofle6580]

Its great to see how considerate Anthony is to his interviewees and how he makes them comfortable as many interviewers make people more traumatized by their questions and comments.

[@nichellekmalvous6688]

some of the editing and titling throws me on an uncomfortable level.

[@floofle6580]

@@nichellekmalvous6688 yes it can be kind of overwhelming sometimes when you hear such tragic stories then there is many sound effects and the titles can sometimes be a lot because they are disturbing to many viewers.

[@idioticimproviser]

Alicia came and talked in my school today, and her message is so much better than some others, i have went through so much and she was the nicest person ever about it, and this is a message for anyone who needs it, do not be embarrassed by asking for help. people care

[@UserIsM]

Wow, I’m glad she got out alive and is able to talk about these horrific events. And it’s great she had a great family to be there for her

[@cryptidcross4991]

I absolutely love what Anthony does with his platform, it really opens up perspectives like no other interviews

[@mellohi1026]

This is horrifying. I don’t know how survivors of things like this can go on.

[@idiotsandwich4912]

Hope, love, life, and a little spite to really say screw you to the monster that did this to them.

[@digitalpocky6194]

she’s so brave to come on the show and speak about her experience, unbelievable proud of her 💜

[@EllaBellaBella]

a year ago Alicia came to our school to speak about her experience, to help us learn the importance of online safety. her story still sticks with me to this day, and goes to show how one wrong move, could almost kill you.

[@musicdew39]

On the off chance that Alicia ever reads this thank you for sharing your story. Watching through this was the first time I truly felt that I could feel peace one day for things that have happened in my life. The strength and compassion and healing that I saw and felt as you told your story has truly made me realize that experiencing trauma may change how you experience the world, but it doesn’t have to forever cast a shadow on your existence. Lots of love for you and what you do and thank you again for sharing your story to others ❤

[@simone6726]

Someone that does something like this should never be free. What on earth is wrong with the people that made these decisions, no ankle bracelet even? I’m disgusted, disappointed, I can’t describe how upset this makes me.

[@HaileyDelaine]

Absolutely horrific that they have people in jail way longer for less. It’s insane they would set free child rapist and torturer set upon us and call it justice. It would have been more fitting to livestream his execution. I’m from the south, real famous case is Gary Plauché, he had the right idea in my opinion.

[@natrium1250]

this is sincerely one of the best interviews on this channel. alica is exceptionally candid and well spoken, anthony asks the perfect questions, and above all else, the emotional impact is insane. much respect to both of you ♥

[@Kathrine465]

I have had a bad childhood. And hearing you do not need to forgive, was something I needed to hear. Somethings do not deserve forgiveness. Thank you

[@beautybychiara02]

such a positive soul. she’s so brave

[@SamWest96]

I was weeping through most of this imagining the worst happening to my own daughter. It's true what she said about parents being superheroes. I would tear the world apart brick by brick for my little girl. But the part about good needing to be so much louder and brighter broke me apart in a whole new way. I've heard the sentiment before but it's never got into my mind like that

[@marieneu264]

I’m making my kids watch this. She is so well spoken, and even calming, despite her message. She’s inspiring.

[@samfawlia]

ur micro-dosing trauma, ur gonna give them nightmares

[@marieneu264]

@@samfawlia They’re teenagers, not little kids. I think it’s important for them to know the dangers that are out there.

[@BryanDiscue]

​@@samfawlia You hear and SEE this in the news here in Latin America. What you are saying is BULLSHIT, kids need to be informed about what's happening in the world since nobody is gonna kiss you in the head if you fall or dissapear. The world we live in is dangerous it's important to learn about it

[@xxxxxxxxx1652]

@@marieneu264 yeah, its better being scared and always being cautious than thinking life is safe, everyone is a good person and people online cannot hurt you because you "know" them, imo.

[@inkubator320]

You are literally giving them nightmares what the fuck is wrong with you

[@cosmonautck7515]

Your interviews are truly something special man. Even when you do less of the talking you manage to let the story speak for itself and magically edit it all together. Job well done

[@ghost8214]

she is such an unbelievably kind soul.

[@junyeori]

For someone who's been through so much, she is super calm in her approach to speaking on the things that happened to her. Alicia has a very soothing voice to listen to as well, she really knows how to paint a vivid picture when telling her story. This is the sort of content we need to see more of in this world.

[@ghostly.creature]

Props to Anthony for holding so well and always always being very respectful and careful with interviews like this. I couldn't hold tears with this one, I just want to give Alicia more of those war-stopping hugs if she's taking any, because I can't even put into words how her story made me feel. Thank you for sharing ❤‍🩹

[@rosyfoxtrot]

I just looked up Alicia online to read a little more details and wow she got rescued on a January 4 (my bday) and someone that made my heart drop because you think a day so cheerful for me this girl was tortured and scared to death and finally got saved on that day

[@paintmeupgolden]

This is why it’s so important to teach kids predators look like your loved ones and just regular people. they aren’t scary stranger danger like they usually picture. she is so well spoken and intelligent. what an impact she has had. the strength ❤

[@savanadawg]

there was an assembly at my school that talked about Alicia and the dangers online. Alicia, your story is still being heard!

[@Rebecca-hv2rb]

I subscribed to your channel because of how gentle you were with this brave woman. Thank you, sir, for your service.