On Jan. 14, 2018, Jordan Turpin made a brave decision that would forever change her and her siblings' lives. Nearly four years later, she’s eager to share her story.
With the help of law enforcement, Jordan was able to free her siblings, ranging from 2 to 29 in age. Her parents — who later pleaded guilty to14 felony countsincluding cruelty to an adult dependent, child cruelty, torture and false imprisonment — were sentenced to life in prison for their abuse.
After finding freedom,the Turpin siblings faced new challenges. Some continued to suffer abuse in foster care, some struggled to secure food and shelter, and some were placed in high-violence neighborhoods and forced to fend for themselves.
Still, their light shines strong.
ABC
In herfirst interviewssince escaping the so-called “House of Horrors,” Jordan, now 21, spoke on20/20andGood Morning Americaabout her past experiences and future goals, which include graduating college, writing a book and inspiring others with her life story.
“I want to be a motivational speaker to help others,” Jordan saidonGMAMonday. “My whole life it has been so hard for me to understand why everything has happened, but if I can use what I went through to make a difference in the world, then I think that can heal me.”
Since her parents' arrest, Jordan has been hard at work catching up on the youth that was stolen from her. In just one year, she earned a high school diploma and is now taking college courses.
Down the road, she says she’d love to live in a “beautiful house with a handsome husband,” and possibly have children — though, if she does, she wants to make sure she’s “in a good place” first so she can give them a great life.
Since Jordan and her sister Jennifer, 33, first opened up on20/20last week, they’ve receivedoverwhelming supportfrom strangers around the world,including Jaycee Dugard, an author and activist who spent 18 years in captivity.
“I’ve always had my siblings and only my siblings, so when I see other people care about me, I don’t even know what to think,” Jordan said onGMA, “like it’s hard for me to process.”
Diane Sawyer’s exclusive20/20interview with Jordan Turpin and her sister, Jennifer, aired Friday night on ABC News. The episode, titled “Escape from a House of Horror,“is now available for streaming on ABC News' digital platforms andHulu. The Turpin sisters' follow-up interview onGood Morning Americais available towatch online.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or1-800-422-4453, or go towww.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
