How I Left the Opus Dei

Thirteen brave survivors step forward to share stories of their initiation into Opus Dei and how young girls are manipulated into pledging their lives to the organization -- setting off a vicious cycle of becoming both victims and victimizers.

After joining Opus Dei, numeraries and assistants begin lives of celibacy, poverty and obedience. Former members recount how they were encouraged to sacrifice everything, including possessions, relationships and even their salaries.

At age 18, members of Opus Dei must sign a living will leaving everything they have to the organization. The survivors share how they were manipulated through guilt and emotional abuse … and the courage it took to have a true "heroic minute" and escape.

Former members shed light on life after Opus Dei and the harrowing experience of returning to the real world without resources, work experience or relationships to fall back on. The first criminal case is filed against the organization.