Quote From: anniewhite2000This week I watched the episode on the Children of God. I was shocked to say the least. I started looking further into this horrendous cult. I watched the British documentary about Ricky and the cult. I watched the Anderson Cooper interview, other shows about the cult, and read many articles, including the excellent article in Rolling Stone regarding Ricky. I have also viewed several websites that contained the vile literature that this group put out. Having had a normal childhood, I can't begin to imagine the horror these second generation survivors are dealing with, but I can understand why you want justice. It's almost become an obsession for me, so I can't imagine how you deal with what has happened to you. My question is why haven't people like Sara Davidito and Karen Zerby been brought to justice? Are any lawyers trying to go after the cult leaders for a civil lawsuit? Isn't having the "Book of Davidito" and the other photos and writings enough? I can't agree that these people will "get their just rewards at the end of their life." They need to be brought to justice now!! I know it won't take the pain away from these second generation victims, but it may help them begin healing. I know it's not just these two women but many others (like "King" Peter). It sounds like the FBI is investigating, but I can't figure out why they haven't arrested these child rapists. I would so appreciate hearing from a survivor why justice has evaded you. Also, I find these second generation survivors to be so articulate and passionate about their cause. The "movingon.org" website is excellent. Please know people are listening!
Many of the crimes against us were committed abroad while we were younger by people with pseudonyms and “bible names”. The FBI is very much ready to prosecute any and all child molesters however they need victims whose statute of limitations period has not expired and they need for the ones who are able to prosecute to be strong enough to testify against their molesters, this type of strength takes years to build due to our unusual upbringing. Generally by the time they are strong enough to confront their molester it’s too late as their turn to prosecute has come and gone. I would love for the statute of limitations on child abuse to be extended until the victim is 30, this would solve our dilemma.
Attorneys do not want to take a class action suite on against the group because, unlike the Catholic church, technically they do not exist as an organization and their assets are untraceable. Although we know millions of dollars run through the group, it’s nearly impossible to verify it. Like a terrorist organization, most of the $$ is traded person to person and through “mules” as The Family calls them, not via bank transfer.
We are prepared to assist any victim that falls within the statute of limitations to pursue justice, but until someone comes forward with a prosecutable case all we can do is warn others about association and hope that we can move forward into our new lives and careers without too much incident. This is why we appeared on the Dr. Phil show. Moving on has been easier for some, for others this is impossible and many have turned to suicide and a couple, like Ricky, to murder.
Most of the parents or “first generation” who have first hand knowledge of the abuse inflicted on us have done very little to assist the FBI because of their own fears of prosecution. What they stood by and watched was horrific and what they participated in is unfathomable. Unfortunately their own guilty conscience holds them back from doing what’s right.
Welcome to our predicament.
(Original Air Date: 10/03/05) Imagine growing up in a cult where you are forced to have sex with strangers -- when you’re as young as 5. Dr. Phil talks to people who escaped the group known as the Children of God, and need help moving on. Meet a daughter who says she can’t forgive her father for the years of painful abuse she suffered at the hands of this cult. How can she reconnect with her dad and start trusting again? Plus, China and her husband, John, are building a new life after leaving the group, where they were forced to have sex with strangers when they were both underage. They’ve had a difficult time adjusting to the outside world, and China wonders if she should prosecute her parents for abuse. What does Dr. Phil think? Talk about the show here.
