'Primer' details intricacies of polygamist life

"It opened my mind to how many people live the lifestyle," he said. "There's like 50 groups. I had no idea. It told me some of the history that I didn't know. For example, this group (the Kingstons) doesn't dress in bonnets and long dresses."

Some polygamous groups have been very sensitive about "The Primer," with their religious beliefs — and faults — publicized for the world to see.

"It's been waved as this list of shames," Murphy said. "It is something to help people within their community deal with problems that go on in every community."

The Arizona Attorney General's Office has released a companion guide to "The Primer." The Safety Net Directory is a listing of government agencies and non-profit organizations that help abuse victims within polygamous societies. It includes a wide range of groups from Tapestry Against Polygamy to the HOPE Organization.

A newsletter publicizing the updates is expected to be sent out to people within all of the polygamous communities. Both "The Primer" and the Safety Net Directory have been posted on the Internet at www.attorneygeneral.utah.gov or www.azag.gov/victims_rights/polygamy.

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