LDS Church Abuse Claims: A Clear, Compassionate Guide for Survivors and Families
The effects of abuse on a person can be seen in the way they trust others, how they interact with people, in the manner in which they pray, the way they sleep at night, and their ability to feel secure in their own bodies. In cases where the problem is of a deeply personal spiritual nature the damage inflicted often goes much deeper. This is particularly so where a person’s beliefs, community or spiritual leaders are implicated.
The harm cuts deeper in such situations because it involves people’s faith, community or their leadership.
The following is a general overview of claims of abuse by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This page explains the allegations, what victims usually request and the avenues open to them. A sense of community is available to aid in your adjustment to these difficult circumstances and to reduce feelings of isolation.
What people mean by “LDS Church abuse claims”
Those bringing forward abuse claims against the LDS church most often accuse church members of physical or sexual abuse or of exploitation. This abuse is typically perpetrated by someone in a position of authority within the church, or at the very least, someone who has easy access to the victim, often in a church environment and someone the victim trusts. Such church participants may be leaders, members or else have entered through church-related activities.
Plaintiffs in civil court actions usually claim that one or more of the following have occurred – this depends on the circumstances.
Abuses occurred in the context of relationships or activities connected with churches.
Church leadership should have been aware of these events, or must have been informed.
The agency’s response was not timely, adequate or gave higher priority to its image than to public safety.
There were organisational failures which allowed the harm to take place. Policies, procedures and supervision were inadequate or poorly implemented allowing the abuse to continue.
The individual who survived experienced long lasting physical, financial and psychological injury.
Different circumstances can call for different approaches. Incidents can sometimes consist of a single event. Temporal patterns can be seen in these sequences. The victims have described a second hurt: the lack of adequate medical attention and the appalling manner in which they were treated by medical staff after they reported their injuries.
Why these cases can feel especially complicated
Abuse in a religious environment often carries extra layers that make survivors hesitate:
There was a great deal of spiritual pressure brought to bear on the survivors to forgive, stay quiet or not to bring shame on the church or the family by speaking out. It is possible for that pressure to hinder the normal functioning of self-defence mechanisms.
Community entanglement. When they are part of a close-knit ward or a stake, those who are accused may be acquainted to people in their family, friends, business associates or those in their leadership positions. People who have suffered through traumatic events may worry that their experiences will be dismissed or that they will be ostracized by others.
In cases where the accused holds a position of authority the complainant may feel intimidated. This intimidation can be exacerbated if the accused is seen as a morally good person. Many individuals suffer in silence for a considerable amount of time because they feel powerless to question a particular authority which is held in high esteem by other people.
None of this means you’re weak. They found themselves in a position where it was simpler to remain silent than to be safe.
Common questions survivors ask
“Do I have to prove everything?”
In civil claims, the standards which the plaintiff has to meet are generally not as strict as in a criminal trial; nevertheless, evidence is crucial. While many survivors are anxious because their abuse occurred some time ago or because there is no physical evidence, they can still seek help.
It is worth noting that the absence of a flawless written record does not necessarily mean a lawsuit will not be won. Attorneys often build claims using a combination of:
* medical and therapy records
Numerous kinds of documents, emails, texts, and notes are found.
Personal accounts of what people have noticed include their own observations.
It seems there’s no text to rephrase. Could you provide the text that needs rephrasing, please?
* admissions, inconsistent statements, or documentation of leadership awareness
Can you please provide the text that you would like me to rephrase? I will then rephrase it in a more human-like way whilst keeping the same style, tone and length as the original.
Some lawsuits are settled through settlement. Protective orders, filings that are sealed, and confidentiality provisions can be involved in this. In every individual case there are unique circumstances, and a skilled lawyer may be able to identify and pursue available options in regards to privacy.
“What if I waited too long?”
One of the major reasons why survivors are reluctant to seek help is because of this. Child abuse laws allowing late claims vary by state; many of these states introduce time restrictions exceptions for victims of child sexual abuse. Depending on where the abuse happened, the victim’s age and when the abuse was found out, laws concerning abuse can be quite varied.
As many educators have found out, assistance is available from others. A legal expert who has expertise in the Freedom of Information Act can provide a confidential assessment as to whether a time limit applies to your request or whether it might be possible to invoke an exception.
What a civil abuse claim can seek to address
Those who survive can also feel guilty at the very thought of seeking financial reparation. In comparison to what was taken, it may seem rather businesslike.
Most often a civil suit is about your life and how healing comes at a price. The claim may also cover other expenses such as compensation for loss of earnings or business.
In some instances, the claim may cover other expenses which are a direct result of the accident.
- therapy and mental health treatment
- medical care and medications
Due to my loss of income or my reduced ability to work, it will be harder for me to afford the treatment my doctor recommends.
* pain and suffering
Long-term effects of traumatic experiences include post traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Various expenses related to disruption of life, safety planning or relocation could be quite high.
Accountability too is crucial for many of the survivors. What many people find most important is being taken seriously, listened to, and believed.
If you’re contemplating taking legal action, here are some sensible steps to follow immediately.
You don’t have to go to such extremes tomorrow. Careful first steps are often quiet, calm and protective.
If experiencing difficulties, consider asking for assistance from people who genuinely want you to succeed.
Someone who may be a trauma informed therapist, advocate or trusted person who would not push you into forgiveness or silence is what you need.
Write down the events of your day from memory, carefully.
In writing a story, it is not necessary for everything to fit together perfectly. A simple timeline helps: dates (even approximate), locations, names, what you reported (if anything), and how it affected you.
Save any remaining records and communication.
Any letters, photographs, statements or other documents which provide relevant information should be included.
Reporting alleged misconduct can be a difficult decision. If you do decide to report it, follow your organisation’s guidelines on whistleblowing and ensure you are doing so safely.
An immediate report needs to be made to safeguard a child who is currently endangered. Survivors of abuse often face difficult choices when deciding whether or not to report their attacker. You should be given guidance that puts your well-being and independence first.
Get advice from a lawyer specialising in compensation claims for abuse by clergy or church officials.
They are exceptional cases. A good interviewer for a case involving a child who was abused in a residential facility would have extensive knowledge of institutional abuse, including the dynamics at play in these situations, plus be aware of confidentiality concerns that can apply.
A note about what you deserve in this process
Many survivors feel pressure to be “perfect” in the eyes of others after their ordeal, requiring a flawless memory of the event, flawless behaviour afterwards and flawless timing. Emotional trauma doesn’t work that way. Traumatic events can break a person’s memory into unconnected pieces. This is because trauma alters the physical structure of the brain and its chemistry. As a result, the normal flow of time is affected.
You’re allowed to want:
- truth without humiliation
- support without pressure
- accountability without being painted as the problem
You may be torn between love and anger for the faith and the church. It is possible you’re experiencing a mix of feelings: love, grief, resentment, longing and a sense of betrayal – all at the same time.
