Escaping Polygamy

On March 29, 2008, "Sarah," a girl who said she was 16-years-old, called a local shelter and claimed she was being abused by her husband, a 50-year-old man who is also the father of her eight-month-old child.

Days after the call, heavily armed authorities raided a polygamist community in rural Eldorado, Texas. After six days on the isolated property, state child protective services removed more than 460 children from their homes. More than 100 women presumed to be their mothers went with them. Of the more than 50 girls believed to be between the ages of 14 and 17, authorities say 31 were pregnant or had given birth.

More than 6,000 people are thought to be members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or FLDS. This religious sect believes the practice of polygamy will bring them true and lasting salvation.

In Texas, the children removed from the compound remain in state custody as the investigation continues.