Breaking Free: One Girl's Journey from Warren Jeffs' Control

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*Content Warning: Discussion of Child Abuse
In this powerful and heart-wrenching video, we share the remarkable journey of a courageous young girl (Leandra Black) who defied the oppressive grip of Warren Jeffs, the notorious leader of the FLDS cult. Explore her harrowing experiences growing up under Jeffs' control, the momentous decision to break free, and the immense challenges she faced along the way. This story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Join us as we unravel the layers of this inspiring narrative and witness the resilience that allowed Leandra to escape and find her path to independence. Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on this incredible journey of survival and triumph.
If you or someone you love has left polygamy and needs assistance, please reach out to "Holding Out HELP" at 801-548-3492 or visit their website at www.holdingouthelp.org
At Growing Up In Polygamy our mission is to "Create compassion for communities that have been marginalized and abused by their leaders, and to empower those who have left by giving them a platform to share their stories with the world."
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Опубликовано:

30 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 87

@michcarp Год назад

Leandra is a natural storyteller. I would read a book if she wrote one! Horrifying stories, though. 😢 What a strong young woman.

@idonttiptoe1519 Год назад

I totally agree!

@hatchhouseadventures Год назад

The dichotomy between Sam’s childhood and Leandra’s is so so stark. It’s a reminder of how big an impact one evil person can have and how often other humans follow blindly. I think polygamy on the whole isn’t a great system but you can see from older member’s stories it was a lot less destructive before Warren Jeffs.

@Sunset-chaser777 Год назад

Observation: Law enforcement has to tread carefully when it comes to dealing with “religious freedom” in other states In Utah, Idaho, Arizona….I think a lot of police are LDS and have a certain blind spot. The fundamentalist church is very powerful through its wealth. If this was 3rd world country, we’d be shouting about human rights. Human trafficking, slave labor is what’s always been going on in the polygamist groups, right here in the Mountain West under the guise of religious freedom. * The time has come for Utah AG needs to wake up

@JeMy569 Год назад

How horrible for those defenseless children( abused & controlled by these evil adults!)…. How can this be sanctioned by their “religion”.. CULT! This will cause a complete lifetime of trauma for all of these children….. just pure evil! The “ caretaker” was just a cover for the abusers!!!

@WolfRoss Год назад

The state of Utah has to start protecting the children. If they are in Colorado or Nebraska the same thing. Denying children food is child abuse.

@designchik Год назад

When Leandra said, “I can finally feel however the f**k I want to feel,” I burst out laughing. What an amazing young woman. I think the lesson anyone can take from this is that abuse isn’t love, no matter how it’s framed. I’m so happy Leandra found her way out and is building a new life.

@funkym0nks519 8 месяцев назад

It came out of nowhere 😂

@katythriftyunder35homeowne57 Год назад

Here to support your content and the incredible work that you do on this channel to bring awareness to the things this community has lived through. Thank you to both of you and all of the brave people who have shared their stories on your channel ❤

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Thank you so much! You're support means so much to us ❤️

@sunnyside2656 Год назад

Thank you for sharing and exposing the abuse in this religion. You are brave and an inspiration for so many. Thank you Melissa and Sam for supporting and having a platform for these brave beautiful families and individuals to share and expose this cult

@Sprklngglassslipper Год назад

Leandra's analogy about the bear made me cry. It was such a poignant analogy...I may have already cried about how much Leandra and her sibilings had to endure before that as well. I'm glad she is so strong and resilient and I hate that she and so many other HAD to be.

@brandywine4000 Год назад

I’m unbelievably proud of LeAndra! She has endured and persevered! I pray she finds peace and joy in her life. Thank you, Sam and Melissa, for helping so many individuals and families get their stories out into the public and to help others learn how to help if they find themselves near a family that needs assistance! Blessings and love to you all!

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Thank you so much ❤️

@peggygarcia6125 7 месяцев назад

Some better words for rebellious when it's opposing oppression and abuse of this agnitude: determination to stay a human being; desperation or desperate reactions to abuse; trying to be a normal kid or person; being courageous; listening to your heart recognizing the truth that hints were wrong or too awful to be from God.

@janjackson7732 Год назад

This was so powerful that I can't find the words! The pain of seeing her siblings hurt and the inability to find an adult to trust has made her childhood really, really difficult, and that's just heartbreaking. My prayer is for her continued growth and healing. Leandra is a very strong young person, full of potential and a very gifted storyteller. I fervently hope she has all the dog-friends, horse-friends and people-friends her wonderful heart desires. Thank you so, so, so much for letting her tell her story. What an eye opener it's been.

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Thank you for your kind words and support ❤️

@powderandpaint14 Год назад

Perhaps the son who has left wouls be willing to go to the police and give evidence against the aunts for th abuse against these children and her own children. Surely CPS should be involved if there are still minor children being abused in that home too.

@yvonnemoujalli6904 Год назад

I am new to the world of this cult FLDS ,this is my second day exploring there world and I would say this only append in a fiction movie not in a real life .Watching the documentary on my pay channels by mistake ,was soo angry and wondering why this cults been going for too long ?? where's the Gov interaction to stop it ????? so so sad

@LibertyBooksAZ Год назад

This family omg!!! I'm awed by every member who's appeared on your show! Leandra, you are a hero, you deserve medals for "being rebellious"! Rebellion is very thing that high-control groups point to as the worst-possible outcome for children, when actually it can be life-saving, not only for the "rebellious child" but for their younger siblings and even their own parents!! Incredible testimony!

@Isblackspore Год назад

Sam and Melissa. As a person who grew up in short creek, can I get a personal contact with you? I have some questions about resources

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Hi there! Please reach us at growingupinpolygamy@gmail.com

@rm9338 Год назад

I know you have been through a lot , but keep getting help and one day you will be able to put this behind you .From an abuse child ❤

@gracegebbie760 Год назад

Excellent use of the English language to tell her story.

@BlueBird-vi8vo 9 месяцев назад

Since they can't get a criminal case against these crazy monsters, why don't they file a civil suit? There is less of a burden of proof in civil cases.

@MsMammasue Год назад

I have a new counter phrase for you “keep strong”! Remember your faith is your choice and no one else’s!

@MsMammasue Год назад

Keep strong!

@latter-dayfilmguy1382 Год назад

Holy cow, for some reason RU-vid never alerted me to all of your new videos. I have some catching up to do 😅

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Lol no worries. Welcome back 😊

@moondropflower9957 Год назад

Omg that's so crazy I really hope the authorities go in and arrest them all and save those poor kids that are being abused on those farms.

@pollya2404 Год назад

What horrific experiences these young people had to endure! Thanks to Leandra for her bravery in telling her story and thank you, Melissa & Sam, for being the conduit through which we all can learn.

@Heartfeltvoice1727 11 месяцев назад

My heart just goes out to this young lady and she’s gone through. I’m glad that you were able to interview her. I thank God for her graphic transparency.

@judyharker6461 3 месяца назад

Is there a way to at least let law enforcement know about the child abuse from her aunt? Because it sounds like she still has minors in her care and even if she wasn’t in an organized religious group, it sounds like she is an abuser and needs to be reported. I would do it anonymously, but I’m not sure of her full name or where she lives.

@cindyelliott6235 Год назад

Leandra, you are so brave! Thank you for sharing your story.

@hfortenberry Год назад

What a sweet precious soul Leandra is. My heart goes out to her for all that she and her siblings and parents have endured. I'm so sorry they had to go through that. But SO GRATEFUL they are free now! You are so strong and good Leandra. Never doubt your goodness. Take good care of yourself and lots of hugs! 💛💞

@peterroth5287 9 месяцев назад

These kids need legal support, especially because the abuser still has kids. The police won’t move with urgency because they are going to have more active cases. Thank you for sharing this story. Hard to hear but important to share. Impressive young woman

@Ann-bl1do 9 месяцев назад

What an amazing young woman! In her rebellion I believe she was the key to leading her family out of the clutches of Warren Jeffs.

@nancyamaral5620 Год назад

Most law enforcement agencies will call in license social workers in to interview chronic runaways . Also when there is a strong suspicion of child abuse a judge came order a 72 hour foster care placement while an intensive investigation is completed. I am a licensed social worker in Massachusetts and worked under Mitt Romney when he was our governor. He was always a great advocate for children’s rights

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing this.

@marthareis5873 Год назад

Leandra Black, I am so glad you saw that first beautiful sunset and I wish you many more. What a poignant, articulate observation that was, one of many. May you find the healing and peace you so richly deserve. I hope you find a respite when needed outdoors in nature, with your dog, or with the people who make you feel unburdened.

@tmholtry Год назад

This is important but I can't watch it.

@CarolineAnandSiddiqui 11 месяцев назад

I am from India so I don't know much about the law there. I was wondering if the evil aunt has been arrested or taken into custody? To know that the witch of a lady is still around children is scary. So, has any action been taken against her atleast after this video is out?

@klasina55 Год назад

I am so sorry Leandra had to go through such unimaginable abuse. She looks like she came out strong, but I hope she has access to support and therapy and also for her siblings.

@JP-rf7cu Год назад

I would like to hear eventually other siblings point of view, when they ready. It is very important that you speak up. I feel so bad about Rachel children. Because they are abused by their own mother. There a testimony from these children, why the state won’t take care of them.

@marianboudreau1337 Год назад

Wow, that was powerful. What a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I think this will not be the last time we hear from Leandra and i really think she should write a book about her experiences. It is totally unbelievable that people who are supposed to be "of the church" could treat those children like they did. In the name of religion??? Hopefully Melissa and Sam as you continue to allow people to reveal their stories, that it would lead to more people "seeing the light". Great work you two!!!

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Thank you!

@susanmoran692 Год назад

The police don’t sound good. They need to get that info. Oh my goodness!!! This makes me very upset for them

@jennifercornman1291 10 месяцев назад

Why aren’t they charged with child abuse? WTH

@candykane4271 Год назад

I love that she realized what she went through and was told …was crap!

@saracrawford9908 Год назад

I love her! The bear analogy is perfect.

@BaileyGroe Год назад

Love starting my morning with a new GUIP video.

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Thank you for always being here 😊

@ashleydailey7844 6 месяцев назад

Leandra. You are beautiful and strong and amazing. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise

@hellodenise9612 2 месяца назад

I'm listening to this while I'm cleaning and there are some similarities to my catholic upbringing. Not as harsh but similiar?? The fasting on Sundays was very strict back in the 1940's-1970. You were not allowed to recieve communion if you ate after midnight Saturday. This is why everyone used to go to the earliest mass on Sunday. Usually 6:30 or 7. Now it's just an hour before mass or communion. Another similar thing is the "Do it for God so you can be with him in eternity." I still believe this but we didn't have all the abuse. We have confession but the priest can't tell anyone or speak to your family. So sorry this has ruined your faith in God. Hopefully you can get that back and be healed. ❤

@nicolecorsillo 3 месяца назад

My goodness it’s so horrifically what this family went through!! PLEASE if you see this please tell her to get her thyroid checked! I’m a registered nurse and the thyroid maybe having some issues. ❤

@wlgeiger 2 месяца назад

I fell and broke both bones with one bone poking through my arm. I have pints in my arm to fix it. It was painful but I was lucky and taken to the hospital right away so it didn't hurt for a long time. I was also told that infection could set in and mean that my arm would need to be amputated. This poor kid!!!! That was a horrible reaction by the adults. Also, in Washington State I was a Corrections Sgt for 12 years and we entered the runaway and missing persons forms into local law enforcement systems and state/ national systems. We had training to talk to people and the Police Officers had training. We had 2 detectives and 1 of them especially very specially trained on how to talk to children. Not only was it for helping the fight flight freeze body systems of people but also to help reduce ways defense attys and court systems could dismiss the case. It's very unfortunate though that the individual officers taking cases can very easily chalk up runaway cases to troubled youth and the stereotype of teenagers having a bad attitude so many times I can see how teens would not get asked questions which is very scary.

@covertLLC 4 месяца назад

This may sound horrible but the more of this madness that I hear about, the more I'm realizing that the "abusers: are just as much victims of WJ as the kids suffering at their hands. I feel just as bad for the "care takers" as I do for the people they're supposed to be taking care of. Thise people are living under extreme circumstances that are beyond all of their control. Everybody living under the rule of the FLDS are all victims of his psychosis, and they all need help. The people hurting the children are cracking under the pressure of his madness, the only contol they have is the control they can exert over thise under their charge. They will all need years of therapy if they're able to escape that extreme environment. I want to blame them but it's far to complicated to make it their fault when they're suffering too.😢

@iratyul5453 9 месяцев назад

After watching this girl saying about young kids working on peaches and tomatoes fields, I wonder: those trucks with peaches "Peaches for youth , or for Christ"? (Don't remember). Are those peaches and tomatoes from this fields? Slaves work or child labor.

@tracytaylor1893 Год назад

❤ you guys are killing it with all these great videos been here from the beginning been wonderful to see the growth of your channel

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Hi Tracy! Thank you for being here and for all the support ❤️

@hellodenise9612 2 месяца назад

I hope you can be truly happy someday! You would be really great at rescuing children and adults too! God Bless!❤

@BaileyGroe Год назад

She has a very specific accent - is this the same accent Sam had after leaving or is this just a family accent for them?

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

It did vary from family to family but there were similarities.

@nicolevandelden1406 3 месяца назад

It’s so interesting to hear from the younger generation, that spent so much time removed from their parents. Wishing Leandra all the best! I hope the police finally take her seriously and help her cousins.

@We4redev0 3 месяца назад

Which police station was the evidence turned into? They need to start feeling public pressure!!

@normaleonard754 7 месяцев назад

While growing up, did you ever think you'd have or desire plural wives so you could enter the highest glories of Heaven?

@ElsaLoui Год назад

Wow 😭 thank you for your courage

@misslindsayyy9870 Год назад

Heartbreaking story. But glad she has the courage to share it. Y’all are doing great work!

@GrowingUpinPolygamy Год назад

Thank you!

@cyndiopfar6932 4 месяца назад

I would've told the abusive woman, that's not keeping it sweet. 😅

@katwitanruna Год назад

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

@soniaduran292 Год назад

Thank you for sharing your story. It helps others not feel as alone in childhood trama aftermath

@gadiantonx8474 Год назад

muzzle the ox as it treads the corn.....

@Lizzzz90 Год назад

Lol whatt??

@katwitanruna Год назад

Liked, shared and commented!

@lucindamess 9 месяцев назад

so here is my question- You realized some things were just not right-what is your measuring rod? THE PURE BIBLE? Since all of these cults seem to address "god", He defines Himself in the Bible through Abraham, Job, Moses, and Yehoshua and the Bible only. All other religions dare not speak as creator or in the first person when speaking of themselves. All cults fail because they deviate from torah, actually. All have later start dates than 3500 years ago at the time of Moses.