Flora Jessop
Born in Hildale Utah
Biographical Statement
I escaped from polygamy 15 years ago and now live in Phoenix,
Arizona
with
my husband and two children. I fought for my freedom, just as the
children trapped today fight for their right to be free.
After turning to DCFS for protection, I was sent back to the
polygamy compound, into the cult I asked them to protect me from.
I was severely punished for running away and spent the next three
years in seclusion, held hostage by my uncle Fred Jessop, and kept
from my siblings and even my mother.
In April, 2001, my fourteen year old little sister, Ruby, was
married to her stepbrother, Haven Barlow. Ruby also had the
courage to run away and sought her brothers help. After one week,
she was returned to the polygamy compound and disappeared.
When I contacted Utah authorities in DCFS and the Washington
County Sheriff's Office for help to get my sister the protection
she needed they agreed to help. They did not do so, however.
After
meeting with DCFS in St. George, where I was promised help for
Ruby, I found they thwarted my efforts.
After thirty five days, they finally met with Ruby but once
again failed to enforce the child protection laws they are
mandated to support.
Ruby and I were both betrayed by the very system that is
responsible for protecting children from sexual abuse, physical
abuse, mental abuse, statutory rape, coercion, and forced
marriage. These rights are guaranteed to all children but those
living inside polygamy remain unprotected.
I have vowed to stop this injustice and am now focusing on
demanding that a federal prosecutor be named to intervene on
behalf of these neglected children.
Both Utah and Arizona have repeatedly and long term failed to
protect children in polygamy from abuses of all kinds. Ruby is a
hostage. No one has seen or heard from her for ? days. Please help
us publicize this travesty of justice.
I am working with others to establish a foundation to
help
children escape polygamy so they can secure the rights all other
citizens enjoy in this democracy. These children need help
completing their educations, finding homes, jobs and adjusting to
a world they know little about.
brkway1@aol.com
