One of Warren Jeff's wives has left the FLDS Church. The 25 year old woman contacted local authorities and expressed a desire to leave the community and is currently being assisted by law enforcement. She is not the first to come forward in the wake of Jeff's recent conviction of accomplice to the rape of a 14 year old girl. Since being sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years, alledgedly 25 other members of the Church have left, looking for help with shelter, clothing, jobs and safety.
The FLDS Church is located on the border of Utah and Arizona, and has been known to practice polygamy, and early practice of the Mormon Church. There are also many other offshoots of the mainstream LDS Church who still pratice the "Principle" as it is called.
There have been many vocal ex-members of the FLDS Church who have published books and conducted interviews recounting abuse, neglect and forced marriage at a young age. Elissa Wall, Carolyn Jessop and Flora Jessop have been some of the most vocal, however there are other ex-members that have publically recounted abuse at the hands of the Church.
Now, the future is unknown for these members fleeing the Church that has been their life. They are now thrust into a new world which they have been taught their entire lives is evil. Many have little or no education, no idea how the "outside" world works, and have been taught since birth certain ordinances which could make the transition to the outside world difficult. For the women, even cutting their hair is forbidden. Now, for their new lives outside the sect, they must adapt to a freedom never experienced before, and adjust to living ourside of the grasp of an abusive "Prophet". It's going to be a difficult transition, however there are people who love and care for them who are offering up their homes, clothing, and protection to get them on their feet in the entirely new world.
UPDATE - I have been informed that the Safety Net is not what was originally stated in the above article. I apologize for the misunderstanding and confusion. The information I received was apperantly incorrect. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
