Outdeed. Much like HR department are there too protect the company, not the employees. Just take a look at Ubisoft shuffling around abusers just like the catholic church instead of prosecuting them.
I personally trusted elders implicitly only to find this was the case - they are not individuals you can have any respect for once you realise how the whole structure works - it’s a massive thing to wake up to it and then get angry and go through processes to accept it - I believe it’s a disgusting abuse of trust from the get go and I admire all those who walk away despite consequences for doing so - my view (and only my view) is it is so much more morally right to walk away rather than simply turn a blind eye to these abuse cases x
Lloyd - just in case you might ever see this -- You are a wonderful, noble, dedicated man, who is doing so much and making such a difference in your life and in the lives of countless others, and I admire and adore you! Best wishes always!!
Lacie, I'm so sorry for how you were treated, I shared this video with my Mam who is 83 years old and has been a witness since the 1960's. Your story woke her up. Thank you so so much
The fact that they can't even look her in the eyes in many of these moments speaks for itself. They know what they did/ are doing is wrong. They go against their own conscience for their cult.
Much respect for this Lady. I know the pain she is going through . Just telling her story is so powerful. Thank y'all for standing up and bringing light to this .
There is no better revenge on these bastards than moving on and having a successful happy life no matter what they have done to you. Thank you for sharing Lacie. Truy inspirational.
What would be even better icing on the cake is for the real truth to come out on these JW elders of what they did for everyone to know and for them to be held legally responsible. That way, they won’t be able to repeat their evil actions onto any more innocent people.⚖️
What frustrates me too,having been brought up in this organization is, there's much focus on how women dress, act, and there is a type of blame, judgement almost, attached to women if they are hurt by a man. It can make some women feel like they are to blame, or wonder what they did to cause it, or not even want to come forward due to the blame and judgement they feel from others both male and female in the organization, if found out widely. I'm sure there are many more incidents of abuse in the organization never reported.
Thank-you Lacie for being part of the IISCA inquiry & becoming yet another strong voice against the wicked lies this CULT finds so easy to spew. I wish you all the very best for your future.
The slander element came up in my life when I was talking to an Elder, who was aware of the abuse I was suffering at the hands of my abusive JW Husband! I couldn't believe it! All the Elders knew about the abuse, did nothing about it but warned me about being guilty of slander if I talked to others about it. Years later, I'm free from them and my ex is still a publisher.
Susan Wagner, I only went to one elder during the 20 years I spent in an abusive marriage. I can honestly say, he was unbelievably kind but I think he felt powerless to do anything more than comfort me. The literature told me to suck it up and "leave it to Jehovah," and now I know his instructions would have been much the same. When I finally gave my husband the boot (with the aid of three police officers) I had the support of the elders in the congregation I was in at the time because I had "scriptural grounds" for a divorce. Like you, I am glad to be shed of them and him. Glad you got out!
@@outtadarkness1970 The Elders saw my reasons for leaving were legitimate but I was soft shunned from that point on. I had to go to a women's shelter for over a month, one toddler and 7 months pregnant. Elders knew, not one offered any comfort. And I still got to the meetings. Not one ounce of comfort for my situation. One Brother cared, but his wife didn't like him talking to me.
@@swwagner1, I didn't have to deal with any of that; the soft shunning came when I decided to go to college so I could support my three minor children. The two men in the congregation that decided to go to college weren't shunned, just me. It is okay; that is what finally got me to fade away. Then I moved 1,000 miles away and that was that! Initially I was a POMI, but Lloyd has helped tremendously with that nonsense! 🤗
Slander is about someone’s reputation being ruined by the truth. It’s a completely inappropriate use of the term. Any “elder” that acts like that toward a child deserves to have their reputation ruined. It shocks the senses that anyone would ever consider that to be a valid concern. Of course, it’s really about how bad it makes all the elders look, as he is one of them. Maybe they all have secret sins.
So despicable that an organization that enables abusers like this isn't brought to justice yet, experiences like this and brave people coming forward are a big step towards justice. Thank you Lacie for your story, you're an inspiration for many ex witnesses, and thank you Lloyd as always for a well done interview.
#1: the elders are not qualified whatsoever to do any type of "investigation #2: their own investigation could easily be argued to obstruct &/or deliberately interfere with a legitimate investigation, and should therefore be considered a criminal act #3: There is NOTHING the elders are qualified to do in their investigation that cannot be done from the visitors side of a table in prison.
Exactly. They have no formal training. Most barely graduated high school. Yet they are expected to arbitrate and make decisions on abuse, psychological and emotional issues, not to mention spousal and child molestation? It is human rights abuse at the highest level.
Thanks, Lacey, for your bravery which is helping so many. I agree with you. There is no god behind WT's man-made awful judicial system which doubles the trauma to victims. Love and best wishes.
Hi Lacie and Lloyd! Thankyou for covering this topic and for your bravery Lacie! You seem like a lovely person. I find this so frustrating I have contributed to the truth project unfortunately justice was never served for my story. The whole of the records kept by the JWs need to be handed over! Many people deserve justice and they hold the evidence. What else can we do to make this more public knowledge ? Thanks again!
What a heartbreaking way to find out how heartless this org is in reality! It is not there for you in your hour of need. Their loyalties are with the org and their positions in the boys club -disgusting.
Wow, who could listen to this & not be moved! Agree whole heartedly there is not god in this group, nor humanity either! Thank you Lacie, & also Lloyd for bringing this to light. How many more kids are sobbing in the dark.
I had no idea that all this abuse was happening, and being hidden, while I was a JW. If I only knew, I would have immediately left that corrupt organization. I feel so sorry for all of these victims and I wish them all the healing.
Thank you for your courageous story. I sent my abuser to jail, no need to go thru the useless elders. Even though we in hindsight see it as "doing things the right way".
I believe when a child has been molested that child will NEVER be whole ever the remaining part of there life. I also believe that event makes that child grow up with issues that they will take to there grave. The molester has robbed and and destroyed another human. Most people don't think the way I do but I believe the death penalty is in order for child molesters. I always will.
My sister and I are both victims of abuse; we've both had many years of counseling and been part of many support groups, so we have known hundreds of abuse survivors, and I can tell you that you are unequivocally correct. It's as if the abuser cut off a limb -- you'll never be whole; you can only try to get along the best you can. I don't think abusers should be executed - my sister and I agree that they should take the place of animals in medical experiments and organ donation. Doesn't heal their victims, but lets them give back to humanity as a whole.
@Ron Slaughter, absolutely my sentiments, a victim is never the person they were before the abuse even with the most professional years of help. Several members of my extended family were abused, the flow on effect is horrific. All abusers should be publicly shot.
So proud of you young lady, I'm really pleased that you can move on with your life i really hope other witnesses will see this, thank you, very moving.
Thank you so much Lacey for your courage and endurance. You are such an incredible and brave person. I spoke to the Australian Royal Commissioners and to the joint select Committee in Canberra, so I know how difficult and brave we need to be. Thank you
Greetings from India 🇮🇳💐Congratulations Lacie for escaping the evil organization. Wishing you all the best and happy life. Thank you for sharing your story.
@@madamecurious As of now I haven't met any ex jws face to face nor online. Majority witnesses are blind robots in India. They won't research their own publications. Elder's are like Kings here in India and CO's are like super Kings. Most elders are hypocrites in many ways. They don't follow their own teachings.
Amazing Lacie, thank you for sharing your story. Your positivity shines through in this interview. I'm so sorry to hear what you've been through. You're an inspiration to other survivors and proves again how messed up this cult and it's policies are.
Thank you Lacie, for your courage! It appears that this process is proving cathartic for you and I'm so glad you have addressed it while you are still young and with a long and healing life before you. 💕
I commend you Lacie for speaking out. I was one of sadly many in my home congregation that was a victim to a ministerial servant in the hall and due to his dad being an elder (part of the reason) it was swept under the rug. 20 years later from what happened, I still am unpacking and deconstructing what happened and I applaud you for speaking and telling your story. People like you give me courage.
I am in awe of this woman’s strength to go up against this billion dollar corporation. Very telling how those elders couldn’t look her in the eye - what little conscience they had. Best wishes for the rest of your life ❤️
as long as they possibly can....they just want it all to go away...sweep it under the rug...well sorry WT it's all coming out now thx to brave people that are telling their story and thx to the internet.
Thank-you so much for your courage to speak so openly about your abuse Laci and a humungous THANK-YOU for now giving me something to ask my J.W. brother to retrieve my GDBR! This I had no idea about even though I was one for eight years... Thank-you Lloyd, (aka Rochelle).
I appreciated the statement she said at the end about there will be bad days. Just because we are free does not mean those bad memories will never come up again. And just because we have those bad days does not mean we made a bad decision by leaving.
Wow, what an interview! An amazing woman, and I'm sure an inspiration to others in a similar position. Here's hoping for a result from IICSA that will prevent this sort of obstruction in the future.
Amazing, courageous woman. Thank you so much for telling your story and for putting yourself out to tell your truth and protect others. And great job on the interview Lloyd.
Lacey well done what a brave girl you are. This must have taken some courage. Having dealt with elders in our own congregation I understand how frustrating unloving they can be. So glad you had the strength to stand up. Lots of love aunt Barbara xx
Such an important interview and such courage to talk about it. This is what happens when an organisation is allowed to set up structures that give individuals unfettered power over others.
Thank you, Lacie, for your courage in coming forward and exposing these crimes and the criminality behind the cover-ups that this organization perpetuates. I'm ashamed for having tolerated the hypocrisy that I witnessed in the Cult for as long as I did however it never involved such serious crimes as you were subjected to. Shame on those who through participation and condoning this behaviour only encourage it to continue.
Lacie, I can't be happier to hear the positive note from which your discussion ended. When I was in that religion I had heard of this 'elder' and the old me would have been so shocked. However the new me, well I just wish I was more shocked. I actually relive that religion through listening to your life as described within this video. Well done for staying true, supporting our police and society but also mindful of those who have nothing but the religion in their lives. Thanks to you also Lloyd, hearing your information and content really does keep me sane.
Realizing that elders and/or others in your hall, your "spiritual family", are not going to help you, protect you, is the ultimate betrayal. I still feel that when I remember.
As a CSA victim, i went through very simikar experience as Lacie 's. I felt sick when i try to participated in meeting. I was literally vomiting. It led my awakening eventually. You're very strong, Lacie. Wish you luck.
Thank you Lacey for sharing with us your experience and let me just say how sorry I am that you had to endure such abuse! You are absolutely correct; “there is no God behind JW org”! That really says it all! May you heal and live life to the fullest and be happy😊
What a brave lady, thank you for sharing your story. Your summary at the end is spot on, the day I left, and told my family, it was tough, but a huge weight came off. It's hard, but gets easier every day.
I am an active witness who is a social worker and I am seriously considering writing to the GB about proper training and education about child abuse and making the elders mandated reporters like many other religions. None of this is ok and I believe these survivors. I am kinda like a PIMO, I graduated from college with a masters degree because no one was going to stop me from that 😦😦😊😊😊
Sue sue sue, use that brain that got you your masters to wake up ...deep down you know its not the Truth..... looking forward to hearing you escaped....God bless
All due respect Sue and I don't comment to criticize but surely you recognize that for you to write the GB as a Social Worker your opinion right off the bat will be discarded by an organization that detests any advanced education and the educated opinions that come from your experience in that field. This is a Corporation out to protect its assets and they have no regard for victims that get stepped on in the process.
With respect I doubt that your letter should you decide to waste your time in the writing of it would make the tiniest scrap of difference when this organisation has been held to account over these issues for decades ie the BBC's Panorama programme back in the 90"s, the Australian Royal Commission, the British IICSA trials, the enquiries in the Netherlands. The organisations willingness to pay a fine of 4k a day rather than present it's database of child sexual abusers to the authorities.... the list goes on. I'm totally in awe of the naivety of any existing members that would have the vaguest shred of belief that a letter to their Governing Body would have the slightest effect.
Well done for achieving your masters! Having completed this you would have had to use critical thinking which really should be used in regards to the JWs. I would have guessed that by applying this method you might realise no amount of letters to the governing body is going to solve this! I also think the GB wouldn't take kindly to having an individual far cleverer than them telling them what to do! Do what's right for you.😊
Don't waste your time Suzy Q, you will be told not to meddle in things that are'nt your business, and you may well find YOURSELF before a Judicial Commitee.
Lacie, you are a Super Hero of Super Heroes! As comparison, my doctor and my therapist have tried to seriously convey how courageous and strong I am simply for miraculously getting mentally out of the JW cult, and I wasn't sexually abused! You are simply amazing, and it was wonderful to see you talking about how wonderful the world is outside. You shined.
Thanks, Loyd for this interview Lacie Jones you are a champion. This organization needs to be exposed talking from a disfellowshiped who woke up point of view. BTW wife got me DF'ed.
I'm a victim of severe child beatings from a witness family with an elder father none of my abuse witness is would ever step forward, and defend me, or my sisters. We were also abused by our stepmother. When Child Protective Services would come to our house we would all hide behind the door we were left home alone all the time. Terrified to let them see us because we were so afraid that we would be brought back into the house because my family is very Charming. Totally terrified of the repercussions. I don't thank will ever see Justice, my family stayed in the witness organization I don't think they'll ever come out! When I talked to my sister and wanted to seek Justice all she said was it happened so long ago and she wanted to sweep it under the carpet. My dad is a very reputable honorable Elder with an iron fist and it's sick what he has gotten away with! When we all got into our teenagers from 14 to 17 we were all walked for the door and thrown out into the street, relatives had to come and take us in who were not Witnesses. Thank you Lacey and all the others who have pushed these cases through and exposing this wicked demon religion!!! Also I'm so glad they put their sales online so that the whole world can see what they're teaching their people about evilness in hate not taking calls from a loved one not even wanting to know what happened to their child excetera excetera!!! Keep up the good work everyone keep pushing forward the Beast and the whore are falling. thank you Lacey for sharing your testimony
So much gratitude for you sharing this Lacie, and to Lloyd for giving you a voice. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation. Following a report to police regarding sexual assault, I was ostracised from the congregation. Elders have been obstructive in the investigation. We are due to go to trial soon and I stand alone with no support from the congregation. Your courage has given me strength to see this through.
Lacie... ❤️ was an absolutely amazing friend to me when we went to sixth form together. She is even more incredible than she comes across on this video. Hope she sees this comment xx
This is a horror story... I am so so sorry this happened to you... you are an amazing woman and I admire your strength. I wish you all the happiness in the world because if anyone deserves happiness it’s you...
Dear Lacie, what a brave young lady you are!! I couldn't agree with you more when you said "there is no God in that organisation" ABSOLUTLY not . You continue to move forward and find joy in your life , you deserve it unreservably!! Lots of love to you, 🙅🙅🙅
Lacie, you are so strong. Thank you for sharing your experience. I broke down at the end when, after everything the cult put you through, you expressed concern and sorrow for those honest JWs that are still in and how their world would explode if they were forced to awaken from the mental prison they are in now. I cried because after I walked away 4 years ago I spend a month sobbing in my husband's arms so worried about how the innocent Witnesses would suffer when the org finally falls (which I think has to happen at some point). My heart ached for them. So I commiserate with your feelings as well. Thank you again for being a voice for all the kids and adults who have been victimized by Watchtower.
What an impressive young woman. What a pity all that potential was stifled by being brought up a Jehovah's Witness. That said, I reckon she's got a bright future ahead of her.
What an inspiring interview with Lacie done by a fantastic interviewer. Great questions, sensitive to her emotional responses, and respect towards her process. Thank you. I’ve just found your channel and plan to check it out further.
It has been 3 yrs. since I heard stories similar like this. ( reason why I left) I feel the same, after initial shock I want to vomit at the audacity of these so called elders. DAMMIT SHE WAS A CHILD, A CHILD HOW HARD IS IT TO COMPREHEND THIS. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? HAVE YOU NO CONSCIENCE NO REMORSE? THIS IS A CRIME AGAINST A CHILD!! HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF? THIS REALLY P#### ME OFF!!!
I left because I had a something my heart ❤️ telling me something wrong with this religion. Now I know why I felt like that. What’s true and what’s lie form their teachings?
I'm sitting outside my work, ready to go in, but teary mad at what I just heard from the court audio. The situation is bad without a doubt.....but having recent audio spewing the bullshit of the past is insane. I forget how pissed of this stuff makes me.
when the elder said she was "slandering" the congregation they were wrong.....the meaning of slander is saying something untrue that harms anothr's reputation. Well what she said was true that her stepfather was touching her in a wrong way.
What a wonderful interview, thank you so much! My younger sister was sexually abused by an active Jehovah’s Witness from when she was 4 years old until she was 11 years old. The elders in our congregation knew about the abuse and did nothing but cover it up. I later found out that the pedophile had abused more children in another congregation. That’s when I started doing my research of the Watchtower organization and found out that we weren’t the only JW family that had gone through something similar. I woke up, stopped attending meetings and so did my family at the end of 2018. As for my baby sister, she couldn’t bare the emotional pain of the abuse and on March 17, 2014 she took her own life. She was 31 💔😞
I guess if you're an elder, you get a grace period before you're punished. They wait until the stink is off the body of elders or the congregation can be counted on to assume he did something after stepping down as an elder. Same crappy behavior.
Thank you Lacie for sharing your truth and story. I’m sorry it happened and pray you’ll continue to live a meaningful life beyond that organisation. I’m truly grateful, I started my family after leaving.
has it occurred to anyone that details heard in a Catholic Confessional are never repeated ? WT "Clergy" cannot even offer you Confidentiality ? we must file a Report ? Only after an Offense is discussed in every detail... with every WT Elder, wife + HQ... then and only then is it Confidential... from the Courts....
I can’t tell you how deep the childhood programming runs, at 52 im still suffering even though I use logic to fight it. It is child abuse. I haven’t been to a meeting for approx 25 yrs
What resonated was when she said not being & wishing you weren’t in it. I remember as young as 5 wishing my parents never met the “brother” who lured them into the borg. They thought one day they would see my younger brother who died at 17 months. 🤷🏻♀️😔
@@opietwoep1247 I remember my parents whispering that he had been disfellowshipped some years later. Never know if he ever was reinstated or if he woke up.🤷🏻♀️
Lacey you are incredibly strong and brave, I admire you immensely. You will help many others tell their stories to the authorities, or to a Councillor for help. This organisation is like a pear, it has gone rotten first at its core.
I am so so so sry you went through what you went through, Lacie. And I find it amazing you are on here talking about it, a year later. You're a lot stronger than me. The Elder's convinced my parents to NOT go to the police about me. Years later i was in a meeting with 2 of them, explaining why I didn't attend meetings, and when I told them that piece they both said "no. That didnt happen. No elder would do that. In fact, we encourage the parents of molested children to go to the police." How I didn't wake up right then and there, I'll never understand. I was so angry at them for the blatant lie to my face. HOW DARE THEY SIT THERE AND LIE LIKE THAT.
Oh my god I’m sick reallysicknto my stomach with all this awful history... I’m so angry 😤 they are all going to be in the first row to die in the beginning of their so call Armageddon oh my oh my they are so guilty !!!!!!$&@“! ‘“
Thank you for all the support and heart warming comments. It means the world to me.
You’re amazing!!!
You are doing the right thing. I'm very happy for you.
Thank you for your bravery Lacie. It was very inspiring hearing your story and your positive personality
Well done hold ur head high
Well done for your bravery! Enjoy your life knowing you are free now!
The elders are there to protect the hierarchy, not the people.
Sadly true.
Outdeed. Much like HR department are there too protect the company, not the employees. Just take a look at Ubisoft shuffling around abusers just like the catholic church instead of prosecuting them.
@@paulatredies egg 🥚 sactly!!
JW's are foolish, they have no idea what's going on in their own congregations secretly. Jer. 5:21
I personally trusted elders implicitly only to find this was the case - they are not individuals you can have any respect for once you realise how the whole structure works - it’s a massive thing to wake up to it and then get angry and go through processes to accept it - I believe it’s a disgusting abuse of trust from the get go and I admire all those who walk away despite consequences for doing so - my view (and only my view) is it is so much more morally right to walk away rather than simply turn a blind eye to these abuse cases x
Lloyd - just in case you might ever see this -- You are a wonderful, noble, dedicated man, who is doing so much and making such a difference in your life and in the lives of countless others, and I admire and adore you! Best wishes always!!
Yes I agree
Thank you Lloyd
judy francis
Well said.
Yes it is so true 🥰
For shame, Jehovah's Witnesses. For shame, Paul Gillies. SHAME ON YOU
Shame on GB and Paul Gillies.
DITTO!!!
They are incapable of shame. The only thing they will understand is dollars, cents and punishment.
The title alone 😤
Thank you Lloyd for giving the “silenced” a platform to tell the Real Truth!
Lacie, it took such bravery for you to come forward and expose this powerful creep of a man.
PR-A42 should be a hero in the next Star Wars movie!
Slander is when someone makes untrue accusations, if he has confessed to doing the thing, it's not slanderous to say he has done the thing.
WTF??
Lacie, I'm so sorry for how you were treated, I shared this video with my Mam who is 83 years old and has been a witness since the 1960's. Your story woke her up. Thank you so so much
The fact that they can't even look her in the eyes in many of these moments speaks for itself. They know what they did/ are doing is wrong. They go against their own conscience for their cult.
What a strong willed women. Her inherent sense of morality always drove her when justice wasn’t being served. This was very encouraging
Much respect for this Lady. I know the pain she is going through . Just telling her story is so powerful. Thank y'all for standing up and bringing light to this .
There is no better revenge on these bastards than moving on and having a successful happy life no matter what they have done to you. Thank you for sharing Lacie. Truy inspirational.
Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay (Romans 12:19)... a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31).
Whatever.
What would be even better icing on the cake is for the real truth to come out on these JW elders of what they did for everyone to know and for them to be held legally responsible. That way, they won’t be able to repeat their evil actions onto any more innocent people.⚖️
What frustrates me too,having been brought up in this organization is, there's much focus on how women dress, act, and there is a type of blame, judgement almost, attached to women if they are hurt by a man. It can make some women feel like they are to blame, or wonder what they did to cause it, or not even want to come forward due to the blame and judgement they feel from others both male and female in the organization, if found out widely. I'm sure there are many more incidents of abuse in the organization never reported.
Thank-you Lacie for being part of the IISCA inquiry & becoming yet another strong voice against the wicked lies this CULT finds so easy to spew. I wish you all the very best for your future.
In tears. Lacie, what happened to you should happen to no child, ever. Your strength and resilience is inspiring ❤
The slander element came up in my life when I was talking to an Elder, who was aware of the abuse I was suffering at the hands of my abusive JW Husband! I couldn't believe it! All the Elders knew about the abuse, did nothing about it but warned me about being guilty of slander if I talked to others about it. Years later, I'm free from them and my ex is still a publisher.
Susan Wagner, I only went to one elder during the 20 years I spent in an abusive marriage. I can honestly say, he was unbelievably kind but I think he felt powerless to do anything more than comfort me. The literature told me to suck it up and "leave it to Jehovah," and now I know his instructions would have been much the same. When I finally gave my husband the boot (with the aid of three police officers) I had the support of the elders in the congregation I was in at the time because I had "scriptural grounds" for a divorce. Like you, I am glad to be shed of them and him. Glad you got out!
@@outtadarkness1970 The Elders saw my reasons for leaving were legitimate but I was soft shunned from that point on. I had to go to a women's shelter for over a month, one toddler and 7 months pregnant. Elders knew, not one offered any comfort. And I still got to the meetings. Not one ounce of comfort for my situation. One Brother cared, but his wife didn't like him talking to me.
@@swwagner1, I didn't have to deal with any of that; the soft shunning came when I decided to go to college so I could support my three minor children. The two men in the congregation that decided to go to college weren't shunned, just me. It is okay; that is what finally got me to fade away. Then I moved 1,000 miles away and that was that! Initially I was a POMI, but Lloyd has helped tremendously with that nonsense! 🤗
Slander is about someone’s reputation being ruined by the truth. It’s a completely inappropriate use of the term.
Any “elder” that acts like that toward a child deserves to have their reputation ruined.
It shocks the senses that anyone would ever consider that to be a valid concern.
Of course, it’s really about how bad it makes all the elders look, as he is one of them. Maybe they all have secret sins.
Slander is when you're spreading lies about someone. You can't be guilty of slander if you're telling the truth.
So despicable that an organization that enables abusers like this isn't brought to justice yet, experiences like this and brave people coming forward are a big step towards justice. Thank you Lacie for your story, you're an inspiration for many ex witnesses, and thank you Lloyd as always for a well done interview.
#1: the elders are not qualified whatsoever to do any type of "investigation
#2: their own investigation could easily be argued to obstruct &/or deliberately interfere with a legitimate investigation, and should therefore be considered a criminal act
#3: There is NOTHING the elders are qualified to do in their investigation that cannot be done from the visitors side of a table in prison.
Exactly. They have no formal training. Most barely graduated high school. Yet they are expected to arbitrate and make decisions on abuse, psychological and emotional issues, not to mention spousal and child molestation? It is human rights abuse at the highest level.
Thanks, Lacey, for your bravery which is helping so many. I agree with you. There is no god behind WT's man-made awful judicial system which doubles the trauma to victims. Love and best wishes.
Hi Lacie and Lloyd! Thankyou for covering this topic and for your bravery Lacie! You seem like a lovely person. I find this so frustrating I have contributed to the truth project unfortunately justice was never served for my story. The whole of the records kept by the JWs need to be handed over! Many people deserve justice and they hold the evidence. What else can we do to make this more public knowledge
? Thanks again!
What a heartbreaking way to find out how heartless this org is in reality! It is not there for you in your hour of need. Their loyalties are with the org and their positions in the boys club -disgusting.
Her journey for justice is heartbreaking.
Wow, who could listen to this & not be moved! Agree whole
heartedly there is not god in this group, nor humanity either!
Thank you Lacie, & also Lloyd for bringing this to light.
How many more kids are sobbing in the dark.
I had no idea that all this abuse was happening, and being hidden, while I was a JW. If I only knew, I would have immediately left that corrupt organization. I feel so sorry for all of these victims and I wish them all the healing.
What an absolute eye opener! Thank you so much for letting us all know this, Lacie.
Applause given 👏👏👏
Thank you for your courageous story. I sent my abuser to jail, no need to go thru the useless elders. Even though we in hindsight see it as "doing things the right way".
Sandra Lutz, thank you too for your courage!!!!
I believe when a child has been molested that child will NEVER be whole ever the remaining part of there life. I also believe that event makes that child grow up with issues that they will take to there grave. The molester has robbed and and destroyed another human. Most people don't think the way I do but I believe the death penalty is in order for child molesters. I always will.
My sister and I are both victims of abuse; we've both had many years of counseling and been part of many support groups, so we have known hundreds of abuse survivors, and I can tell you that you are unequivocally correct. It's as if the abuser cut off a limb -- you'll never be whole; you can only try to get along the best you can.
I don't think abusers should be executed - my sister and I agree that they should take the place of animals in medical experiments and organ donation. Doesn't heal their victims, but lets them give back to humanity as a whole.
ron slaughter, Hear hear. I'm not mad at ya.
@Ron Slaughter, absolutely my sentiments, a victim is never the person they were before the abuse even with the most professional years of help. Several members of my extended family were abused, the flow on effect is horrific. All abusers should be publicly shot.
Good morning to everyone except the 14 sick people who disliked this video.
Thank you so much Lacie for sharing your story with us. Really appreciate you speaking out about what happened.
This video was hard to watch but so important! Thank you, Lacie for sharing your story and thank you Lloyd for bringing it to us. ❤️
I’m so sorry Lacie that you had to go through that. Thank you for sharing your story.
Every story is a testament of how much damage this organization has caused on people
So proud of you young lady, I'm really pleased that you can move on with your life i really hope other witnesses will see this, thank you, very moving.
Thank you so much Lacey for your courage and endurance. You are such an incredible and brave person. I spoke to the Australian Royal Commissioners and to the joint select Committee in Canberra, so I know how difficult and brave we need to be. Thank you
❤❤❤❤best interview yet! Such a lovely and positive young lady.
Greetings from India 🇮🇳💐Congratulations Lacie for escaping the evil organization. Wishing you all the best and happy life. Thank you for sharing your story.
Sam Sam, can I ask: how is the situation in India? Are JWs there “waking up” and leaving the org.? I really hope so!
@@madamecurious As of now I haven't met any ex jws face to face nor online. Majority witnesses are blind robots in India. They won't research their own publications. Elder's are like Kings here in India and CO's are like super Kings. Most elders are hypocrites in many ways. They don't follow their own teachings.
@@SamSam-ft3to thanks for your answer! I hope you are doing ok!!!
@@madamecurious you're most welcome. Yes I'm doing great. Enjoying my freedom. :) How about you? Where do you live?
@@SamSam-ft3to , I live in Florida, USA . I am so glad too that I was able to leave the “hamster wheel” :)
Amazing Lacie, thank you for sharing your story. Your positivity shines through in this interview. I'm so sorry to hear what you've been through. You're an inspiration to other survivors and proves again how messed up this cult and it's policies are.
Thank you Lacie, for your courage! It appears that this process is proving cathartic for you and I'm so glad you have addressed it while you are still young and with a long and healing life before you. 💕
Dialed this vid up within seconds of being notified. Looking forward to this interesting, but very serious topic!
I commend you Lacie for speaking out. I was one of sadly many in my home congregation that was a victim to a ministerial servant in the hall and due to his dad being an elder (part of the reason) it was swept under the rug.
20 years later from what happened, I still am unpacking and deconstructing what happened and I applaud you for speaking and telling your story. People like you give me courage.
I am in awe of this woman’s strength to go up against this billion dollar corporation. Very telling how those elders couldn’t look her in the eye - what little conscience they had. Best wishes for the rest of your life ❤️
Thank you for such an empowering story 🤍
How far will Watchtower society go to slow down justice?
All the way and even farther.....
as long as they possibly can....they just want it all to go away...sweep it under the rug...well sorry WT it's all coming out now thx to brave people that are telling their story and thx to the internet.
Thank-you so much for your courage to speak so openly about your abuse Laci and a humungous THANK-YOU for now giving me something to ask my J.W. brother to retrieve my GDBR! This I had no idea about even though I was one for eight years...
Thank-you Lloyd, (aka Rochelle).
I appreciated the statement she said at the end about there will be bad days. Just because we are free does not mean those bad memories will never come up again. And just because we have those bad days does not mean we made a bad decision by leaving.
You are so strong and I so much appreciate you sharing your story 🖤 thank you.
Wow, what an interview! An amazing woman, and I'm sure an inspiration to others in a similar position. Here's hoping for a result from IICSA that will prevent this sort of obstruction in the future.
Amazing, courageous woman. Thank you so much for telling your story and for putting yourself out to tell your truth and protect others. And great job on the interview Lloyd.
Lacey well done what a brave girl you are. This must have taken some courage. Having dealt with elders in our own congregation I understand how frustrating unloving they can be. So glad you had the strength to stand up. Lots of love aunt Barbara xx
Such an important interview and such courage to talk about it. This is what happens when an organisation is allowed to set up structures that give individuals unfettered power over others.
Such wisely accepting words from Lacie: “No doubt I’m going to have bad days...but I’m happier to deal with it...”
Thank you, Lacie, for your courage in coming forward and exposing these crimes and the criminality behind the cover-ups that this organization perpetuates. I'm ashamed for having tolerated the hypocrisy that I witnessed in the Cult for as long as I did however it never involved such serious crimes as you were subjected to. Shame on those who through participation and condoning this behaviour only encourage it to continue.
Lacie, I can't be happier to hear the positive note from which your discussion ended. When I was in that religion I had heard of this 'elder' and the old me would have been so shocked. However the new me, well I just wish I was more shocked. I actually relive that religion through listening to your life as described within this video. Well done for staying true, supporting our police and society but also mindful of those who have nothing but the religion in their lives. Thanks to you also Lloyd, hearing your information and content really does keep me sane.
"living well is the best revenge"- George Herbert
Realizing that elders and/or others in your hall, your "spiritual family", are not going to help you, protect you, is the ultimate betrayal.
I still feel that when I remember.
As a CSA victim, i went through very simikar experience as Lacie 's. I felt sick when i try to participated in meeting. I was literally vomiting. It led my awakening eventually. You're very strong, Lacie. Wish you luck.
Scilla Torok, I am so sorry you too had to suffer so much! I’m happy for you, that you had the courage to leave this manmade organization!
Thank you Lacey for sharing with us your experience and let me just say how sorry I am that you had to endure such abuse! You are absolutely correct; “there is no God behind JW org”! That really says it all! May you heal and live life to the fullest and be happy😊
What a brave lady, thank you for sharing your story. Your summary at the end is spot on, the day I left, and told my family, it was tough, but a huge weight came off. It's hard, but gets easier every day.
What a beautiful and brave young lady! So happy for her that she spoke up and got out.
I am an active witness who is a social worker and I am seriously considering writing to the GB about proper training and education about child abuse and making the elders mandated reporters like many other religions. None of this is ok and I believe these survivors. I am kinda like a PIMO, I graduated from college with a masters degree because no one was going to stop me from that 😦😦😊😊😊
Sue sue sue, use that brain that got you your masters to wake up ...deep down you know its not the Truth..... looking forward to hearing you escaped....God bless
All due respect Sue and I don't comment to criticize but surely you recognize that for you to write the GB as a Social Worker your opinion right off the bat will be discarded by an organization that detests any advanced education and the educated opinions that come from your experience in that field. This is a Corporation out to protect its assets and they have no regard for victims that get stepped on in the process.
With respect I doubt that your letter should you decide to waste your time in the writing of it would make the tiniest scrap of difference when this organisation has been held to account over these issues for decades ie the BBC's Panorama programme back in the 90"s, the Australian Royal Commission, the British IICSA trials, the enquiries in the Netherlands. The organisations willingness to pay a fine of 4k a day rather than present it's database of child sexual abusers to the authorities.... the list goes on. I'm totally in awe of the naivety of any existing members that would have the vaguest shred of belief that a letter to their Governing Body would have the slightest effect.
Well done for achieving your masters! Having completed this you would have had to use critical thinking which really should be used in regards to the JWs. I would have guessed that by applying this method you might realise no amount of letters to the governing body is going to solve this! I also think the GB wouldn't take kindly to having an individual far cleverer than them telling them what to do! Do what's right for you.😊
Don't waste your time Suzy Q, you will be told not to meddle in things that are'nt your business, and you may well find YOURSELF before a Judicial Commitee.
Poor girl 😭 my heart goes out to her ❤️🙏🏻
Loved the twinkle in your eyes as you ended this discussion 🤩. You’re inspiring! Nothing but respect, much success in all your endeavours! 😌
What a brave person. I have every respect for her.
Lacie, you are a Super Hero of Super Heroes! As comparison, my doctor and my therapist have tried to seriously convey how courageous and strong I am simply for miraculously getting mentally out of the JW cult, and I wasn't sexually abused! You are simply amazing, and it was wonderful to see you talking about how wonderful the world is outside. You shined.
Thanks, Loyd for this interview Lacie Jones you are a champion. This organization needs to be exposed talking from a disfellowshiped who woke up point of view. BTW wife got me DF'ed.
I'm a victim of severe child beatings from a witness family with an elder father none of my abuse witness is would ever step forward, and defend me, or my sisters. We were also abused by our stepmother. When Child Protective Services would come to our house we would all hide behind the door we were left home alone all the time. Terrified to let them see us because we were so afraid that we would be brought back into the house because my family is very Charming. Totally terrified of the repercussions. I don't thank will ever see Justice, my family stayed in the witness organization I don't think they'll ever come out! When I talked to my sister and wanted to seek Justice all she said was it happened so long ago and she wanted to sweep it under the carpet. My dad is a very reputable honorable Elder with an iron fist and it's sick what he has gotten away with! When we all got into our teenagers from 14 to 17 we were all walked for the door and thrown out into the street, relatives had to come and take us in who were not Witnesses. Thank you Lacey and all the others who have pushed these cases through and exposing this wicked demon religion!!! Also I'm so glad they put their sales online so that the whole world can see what they're teaching their people about evilness in hate not taking calls from a loved one not even wanting to know what happened to their child excetera excetera!!! Keep up the good work everyone keep pushing forward the Beast and the whore are falling. thank you Lacey for sharing your testimony
So much gratitude for you sharing this Lacie, and to Lloyd for giving you a voice. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation. Following a report to police regarding sexual assault, I was ostracised from the congregation. Elders have been obstructive in the investigation. We are due to go to trial soon and I stand alone with no support from the congregation. Your courage has given me strength to see this through.
Lacie... ❤️ was an absolutely amazing friend to me when we went to sixth form together. She is even more incredible than she comes across on this video. Hope she sees this comment xx
I wouldn't have survived 6th form without you were the most amazing friend and it's a joy to know you Chels. Xx
Sending love to you Lacie.. from Australia xx
Well done Cuz. Lots of love from Devon.
Elders at my Kingdom Hall did the same thing, abused young ones bully, harassed, mistreated, and they are still acting like holiness
This is a horror story... I am so so sorry this happened to you... you are an amazing woman and I admire your strength. I wish you all the happiness in the world because if anyone deserves happiness it’s you...
Well done lass. You're free from the Cult of EVIL.Start to live.Iain Yorkshire.Leeds.
Dear Lacie, what a brave young lady you are!! I couldn't agree with you more when you said "there is no God in that organisation" ABSOLUTLY not . You continue to move forward and find joy in your life , you deserve it unreservably!! Lots of love to you, 🙅🙅🙅
Lacie, you are so strong. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I broke down at the end when, after everything the cult put you through, you expressed concern and sorrow for those honest JWs that are still in and how their world would explode if they were forced to awaken from the mental prison they are in now. I cried because after I walked away 4 years ago I spend a month sobbing in my husband's arms so worried about how the innocent Witnesses would suffer when the org finally falls (which I think has to happen at some point). My heart ached for them. So I commiserate with your feelings as well.
Thank you again for being a voice for all the kids and adults who have been victimized by Watchtower.
What an impressive young woman. What a pity all that potential was stifled by being brought up a Jehovah's Witness. That said, I reckon she's got a bright future ahead of her.
What an inspiring interview with Lacie done by a fantastic interviewer. Great questions, sensitive to her emotional responses, and respect towards her process. Thank you. I’ve just found your channel and plan to check it out further.
Loved the wrap up! Truly inspiring.
It has been 3 yrs. since I heard stories similar like this. ( reason why I left) I feel the same, after initial shock I want to vomit at the audacity of these so called elders. DAMMIT SHE WAS A CHILD, A CHILD HOW HARD IS IT TO COMPREHEND THIS. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? HAVE YOU NO CONSCIENCE NO REMORSE? THIS IS A CRIME AGAINST A CHILD!! HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF? THIS REALLY P#### ME OFF!!!
I left because I had a something my heart ❤️ telling me something wrong with this religion. Now I know why I felt like that. What’s true and what’s lie form their teachings?
What a stunning and exceptional young woman and excellent interview. Can’t thank Lacie enough.
I'm sitting outside my work, ready to go in, but teary mad at what I just heard from the court audio. The situation is bad without a doubt.....but having recent audio spewing the bullshit of the past is insane.
I forget how pissed of this stuff makes me.
when the elder said she was "slandering" the congregation they were wrong.....the meaning of slander is saying something untrue that harms anothr's reputation. Well what she said was true that her stepfather was touching her in a wrong way.
What a wonderful interview, thank you so much! My younger sister was sexually abused by an active Jehovah’s Witness from when she was 4 years old until she was 11 years old. The elders in our congregation knew about the abuse and did nothing but cover it up. I later found out that the pedophile had abused more children in another congregation. That’s when I started doing my research of the Watchtower organization and found out that we weren’t the only JW family that had gone through something similar. I woke up, stopped attending meetings and so did my family at the end of 2018. As for my baby sister, she couldn’t bare the emotional pain of the abuse and on March 17, 2014 she took her own life. She was 31 💔😞
Love the ending and her future!
Grown man crying on and off by this. Having seen it in my own hall involving my own friends and elders etc. Ffs wish all the best in the future
WOW, this is beyond words. Talk about re abusing the victim.
Very inspiring
thank you Lacie
I guess if you're an elder, you get a grace period before you're punished. They wait until the stink is off the body of elders or the congregation can be counted on to assume he did something after stepping down as an elder.
Same crappy behavior.
Thank you Lacie for sharing your truth and story. I’m sorry it happened and pray you’ll continue to live a meaningful life beyond that organisation. I’m truly grateful, I started my family after leaving.
has it occurred to anyone that details heard in a Catholic Confessional are never repeated ?
WT "Clergy" cannot even offer you Confidentiality ? we must file a Report ?
Only after an Offense is discussed in every detail... with every WT Elder, wife + HQ...
then and only then is it Confidential... from the Courts....
I can’t tell you how deep the childhood programming runs, at 52 im still suffering even though I use logic to fight it. It is child abuse. I haven’t been to a meeting for approx 25 yrs
What resonated was when she said not being & wishing you weren’t in it. I remember as young as 5 wishing my parents never met the “brother” who lured them into the borg. They thought one day they would see my younger brother who died at 17 months. 🤷🏻♀️😔
I think that’s how they got my mom. But the women who studied with her truly was a believer a wonderful person
@@opietwoep1247 I remember my parents whispering that he had been disfellowshipped some years later. Never know if he ever was reinstated or if he woke up.🤷🏻♀️
I agree...this is organisation is a sham!
Lacey you are incredibly strong and brave, I admire you immensely. You will help many others tell their stories to the authorities, or to a Councillor for help.
This organisation is like a pear, it has gone rotten first at its core.
Those Elders should be arrested and tried for obstruction of justice, collusion, conspiracy to commit a crime, then jailed for the maximum term.
I am so so so sry you went through what you went through, Lacie. And I find it amazing you are on here talking about it, a year later. You're a lot stronger than me.
The Elder's convinced my parents to NOT go to the police about me. Years later i was in a meeting with 2 of them, explaining why I didn't attend meetings, and when I told them that piece they both said "no. That didnt happen. No elder would do that. In fact, we encourage the parents of molested children to go to the police."
How I didn't wake up right then and there, I'll never understand. I was so angry at them for the blatant lie to my face. HOW DARE THEY SIT THERE AND LIE LIKE THAT.
Thank you for speaking up, you are brave
Oh my god I’m sick reallysicknto my stomach with all this awful history... I’m so angry 😤 they are all going to be in the first row to die in the beginning of their so call Armageddon oh my oh my they are so guilty !!!!!!$&@“! ‘“
There's a scripture that says that Christ will judge the Cong. first