Carolyn Jessop

Guide Note:

Thirty five year old Carolyn Jessop was forced into a polygamous relationship with husband Merril Jessop for seventeen years. She finally was able to escape with her eight children. Her husband used to take her paychecks from her and she was required to ask him for everything. She suffered marital rape in exchange for better emotional treatment. Carolyn was the fourth of Merril's seven wives.

Her own father had three wives and was part of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her father was domineering and emotionally distant from her mother, which caused her mother a great deal of anger and frustration. She would often take her anger out on her children on a daily basis. Carolyn fears that her children will want to be part of the Polygamy lifestyle when they get older.

Carolyn appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on October 29, 2007 to talk about her experiences. She is also author of a book titled Escape which was published on October 16 2007.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: January 1, 1968
2. From Colorado City
3. A School teacher
4. Became the first woman ever granted full custody of her children in a contested suit involving the FLDS