Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2005, Page 44
The book also exposes some of the ineffectual attempts by the Department of Children‘s
Services and the District Attorney‘s office to protect the children from physical and sexual
violence. Moore-Emmett states that ―The state legislature is consistently 90% Mormon …,
and several polygamist men serve in local government positions, including as mayors … and
councilmen‖ (p. 31). Asserting that ―the attitude between Mormons and Mormon
fundamentalist polygamists is that of kissing cousins with more similarities than differences‖
(p. 30), Moore-Emmett suggests that the heavily Mormon Utah government is unduly
tolerant of polygamy and reluctant to acknowledge the abuses such a lifestyle seems to
breed. And although the official stance of the mainstream Mormon Church is against
polygamy, several of the women‘s stories reveal leaders who looked the other way at the
deviant sects and blamed the women who came to them for help. Whether these officials
are simply misinformed, incompetent, or fear for their lives remains to be established.
Although the book does not explore the full picture of the psychological consequences of
polygamy, it alludes to symptoms easily recognized as post-traumatic distress. Flashbacks,
isolation, eating disorders, depression, suicidality, anxiety, and low self-esteem are a few of
the indicators mentioned in passing.
In summary, this little 240-odd-page book is packed with important information for anyone
interested in polygamous groups. Seen through the eyes of eighteen courageous women,
the underworld of polygamy unfolds in all its dimensions. A glossary of terms is provided for
the reader so that the various practices, beliefs, and jargon are made understandable. The
book reads like a novel and touches the heart.
Doni Whitsett, Ph.D., LCSW
The book also exposes some of the ineffectual attempts by the Department of Children‘s
Services and the District Attorney‘s office to protect the children from physical and sexual
violence. Moore-Emmett states that ―The state legislature is consistently 90% Mormon …,
and several polygamist men serve in local government positions, including as mayors … and
councilmen‖ (p. 31). Asserting that ―the attitude between Mormons and Mormon
fundamentalist polygamists is that of kissing cousins with more similarities than differences‖
(p. 30), Moore-Emmett suggests that the heavily Mormon Utah government is unduly
tolerant of polygamy and reluctant to acknowledge the abuses such a lifestyle seems to
breed. And although the official stance of the mainstream Mormon Church is against
polygamy, several of the women‘s stories reveal leaders who looked the other way at the
deviant sects and blamed the women who came to them for help. Whether these officials
are simply misinformed, incompetent, or fear for their lives remains to be established.
Although the book does not explore the full picture of the psychological consequences of
polygamy, it alludes to symptoms easily recognized as post-traumatic distress. Flashbacks,
isolation, eating disorders, depression, suicidality, anxiety, and low self-esteem are a few of
the indicators mentioned in passing.
In summary, this little 240-odd-page book is packed with important information for anyone
interested in polygamous groups. Seen through the eyes of eighteen courageous women,
the underworld of polygamy unfolds in all its dimensions. A glossary of terms is provided for
the reader so that the various practices, beliefs, and jargon are made understandable. The
book reads like a novel and touches the heart.
Doni Whitsett, Ph.D., LCSW
