"Stolen Innocence"

"Stolen Innocence" by Elissa Wall (with Lisa Pulitzer) is her story of growing up in a polygamous sect (FDLS) where she was forced to marry her cousin at age 14.  Although she initially refused to marry, psychological pressure from family and FDLS leaders broke down her resistance and she agreed to the wedding which took place across state lines in Nevada.  After enduring a four year abusive marriage, Wall left the sect with the support of older siblings who had already left.  She also had fallen in love with another member who had himself left the sect and their relationship blossomed into one that led to marriage and two children.

When she was approached by prosecuting attorneys about building a case against Warren Jeffs, the sect leader who had forced her into a marriage at age 14, she was reluctant at first but  agreed after spending time with them and receiving support emotionally and protection for her family.  Her courageous testimony sent Jeffs to jail and her hope is that it will lead to the sect no longer marrying off underage girls.  Proceeds from the book go to the MJ fund she has set up to provide girls and women with options that she didn't have so they can start lives for themselves.   The down side for Wall is that she no longer has contact with her mother and doesn't know where she is and she fears for the two younger sisters she had to leave behind.

This book is a look at the inner workings of the FDLS sect and describes in detail the lack of power that all women have who are members.  They are basically slaves to the men they are given to in marriage and have no recourse if the leader decides their husband is no longer leading them appropriately.  They and all their children can be given to another man in the sect and the children become his.  It's a look at the power one man has to destroy or hold hostage so many people.  pazt