THE CHILD BRIDES
In April of 2001, Ruby Jessop attempted to break away from an oppressive and abusive isolated community in Colorado City, Arizona after being forced to marry her step-brother. She received insufficient support from government authorities in Utah and Arizona and ended up back under the control of her authoritarian, isolationist community of the
FLDS Church polygamists . Since then she's rarely been seen in public, never unescorted. When a girl has tried to run the polygamists isolate them away and re-educate them. Ruby hasn't been able to speak to any outsider since she was returned to the polygamists.
The polygamists fight very hard to get these girls back.
Ruby's sister, Flora Jessop, with John Walsh before
taping a segment for his show.
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They use threats, intimidation, subterfuge, and they have a legal firm on retainer that is used to manipulate the legal system.
The girls of the
FLDS are brought up to be married off at the earliest possible age.
The Elders pick husbands for them, usually polygamous men who are much older than they. Sometimes these girls aren’t even aware they are to be married until the day of the marriage.
These children are brought up in a secluded, deprived environment.
They are given minimal educational opportunities, don’t watch TV, listen to radio, nor go to movies. They are taught that "outsiders" are of Satan, to be avoided. They are woefully ignorant of the outside world and are taught that forced marriages to older men is normal. Their self-esteem is almost non-existant.
Polygamy FAQ - By John Llewellyn
