My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Away

Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs

by Elissa Wall

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	692 pages

FREE

I was born into a polygamous sect in the rural mountains of Utah. My father had three wives and 27 children, and I was one of his youngest. Life in the sect was strict and patriarchal. Women were expected to be subservient to men, and their primary role was to bear and raise children. I was taught that polygamy was the only true way to live, and that I would be blessed with eternal salvation if I obeyed my father and married a polygamist.

I was 14 years old when I was married to a 28-year-old man named Joseph. He was kind and gentle, but I was terrified of him. I had never been alone with a man before, and I didn't know what to expect. Joseph was patient with me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being used as a broodmare. He wanted me to have as many children as possible, and I felt like my body was no longer my own.

I endured years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Joseph. He would beat me and rape me, and I was too ashamed to tell anyone what was happening. I was isolated from the outside world, and I believed that I had no way out. But one day, I found the courage to run away. I left everything behind—my family, my friends, and my home—and I never looked back.

It was hard at first to adjust to life outside the sect. I had to learn how to be independent and how to make my own decisions. But I was determined to make a new life for myself, and I refused to let my past define me.

I went back to school and got a job. I met a wonderful man named John, and we got married. We have two beautiful children, and I am finally happy and free.

I wrote this book to share my story and to help others who may be struggling with similar experiences. I want people to know that there is hope. Even if you come from a difficult background, you can break away and create a better life for yourself. You are not alone.

Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs

by Elissa Wall

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	692 pages

FREE