Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight broke their public silence in the message posted on Monday, saying the encouragement of family, friends and the public have enabled them to restart their lives.
Former bus driver Ariel Castro has pleaded not guilty to a 329-count indictment alleging he kidnapped the women off the streets between 2002 and 2004 and held them captive in his two-story home.
He fathered a six-year-old daughter with Berry and is accused of starving and punching Ms Knight, causing her to miscarry. He was arrested on May 6, shortly after Ms Berry broke through a door at the home and yelled to neighbours for help.
In the video, Ms Berry said: “I am getting stronger each day, and having my privacy has helped immensely. I ask that everyone continues to respect our privacy and give us time to have a normal life.”
