Exploring Patterns of Abuse and Cover-Up in the LDS Church

It takes immense courage to reflect on the painful experiences of sexual abuse, especially when it occurred within a religious community that should be trusted, like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Church of LDS or Mormon Church. For many, the belief that the institution not only failed to protect them but also actively worked to conceal the abuse compounds the trauma. 

We are exploring the patterns of abuse and cover-up in the LDS Church, as alleged by lawsuits across the country, to provide a clearer understanding of a systemic problem. In the most basic terms, the Mormon Church is currently being accused of harming innocent people or allowing sexual abuse to occur, and taking steps to protect its own reputation instead of helping the abuse survivors.

Key Takeaways About LDS Sex Abuse Lawsuits

How the LDS Church Allegedly Cultivated a Culture of Silence

For decades, many survivors and their families were reportedly encouraged to deal with clergy abuse privately within the church community, without involving law enforcement. Survivors allege this culture of silence was a key component of a broader strategy to protect the church’s reputation and avoid scandal.

The church is accused of encouraging:

• Internal Resolution: Lawsuits allege that instead of reporting abuse to civil authorities, church leaders were instructed to handle matters internally, often encouraging clergy forgiveness and confidentiality. This approach, while perhaps well-intentioned in some cases, effectively shielded abusers from legal consequences and prevented the abuse from being publicly known.
• Shame and Guilt: Abuse survivors, especially those who were children at the time, were often made to feel shame or guilt about the abuse, further discouraging them from speaking out. This emotional burden, combined with the power dynamics of the church hierarchy, created a formidable barrier to justice.
• Fear of Consequences: Survivors were sometimes led to believe that reporting abuse would bring shame upon their family or the church, potentially leading to social ostracism or other negative consequences. This instilled a deep-seated fear of speaking out.

How the LDS Church Allegedly Handled Abuse

Lawsuits filed against the LDS Church across the country have painted a troubling picture of how allegations of sexual abuse were handled. The claims point to systemic policies and practices that prioritized the institution’s image over the safety of its members.

The Controversial “Helpline” and Internal Policy

A central point of contention has been the church’s handling of abuse reports through its internal helpline. While the church states the helpline is a resource to provide guidance and ensure proper reporting, critics allege its true purpose is to manage the church’s legal risk.

• Legal Guidance, Not Law Enforcement: Reports indicate that calls to the helpline are often routed to the church’s legal counsel, not directly to law enforcement. Critics argue this allows the church to control the flow of information and potentially shield itself from liability by preventing or delaying external reporting.
• Confidentiality over Transparency: Survivors and their families who used the helpline often did so with the expectation of a confidential, pastoral conversation. However, the information they provided was reportedly used by the church’s legal team to assess its potential liability, raising questions about the true purpose and integrity of the process.

The Alleged “Paper Trail” of Transfers

Another disturbing pattern that has emerged in lawsuits is the allegation that the church’s internal records show a history of transferring abusers to new congregations or leadership positions without warning new communities of the person’s past.

• Moving the Abuser: Lawsuits claim that when an abuse allegation was reported, instead of removing the abuser from a position of trust or reporting them to the police, the church sometimes moved them to a new ward or stake. This allegedly allowed the abuser to continue having access to vulnerable individuals, potentially leading to more victims.
• Lack of Public Disclosure: Because the church reportedly handled these issues internally, there was no public record of the abuse. This meant that the new communities where the abuser was transferred were completely unaware of the threat, leaving new generations of children and church members exposed to harm.

Finding Your Voice: The Path to Justice

For adult survivors, the path to healing is often a long and difficult one. Many have suppressed their memories for years, only to have them resurface later in life. The trauma, shame, and fear that once silenced them can be overwhelming. Yet, a growing number of survivors are finding the courage to speak out and hold the institution accountable.

The Power of “Look-Back” Laws

For many years, the statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline all states impose to file a lawsuit, was a major barrier for adult survivors. However, a significant number of states have now passed “look-back” laws, which temporarily or permanently suspend or extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims. 

These longer filing deadlines have provided a critical window of opportunity for countless survivors to finally file a claim and seek justice for the harm they endured decades ago. Look-back laws are a testament to the power of survivors’ voices and the legal system’s growing recognition of the lasting impact of childhood trauma.

The Fight for Accountability and Compensation

The legal cases being brought against the LDS Church are not just about financial compensation; they are about demanding accountability and forcing systemic change. Survivors are seeking to hold the institution responsible for its alleged culture of silence and practices that enabled abuse for far too long.

Of course, receiving financial compensation can help survivors pay for years of therapy, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that are a direct result of the abuse. However, for many, the greatest victory is the validation of their experience and the knowledge that they are helping to ensure no one else has to endure the same trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions About LDS Church Lawsuits

What if I signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?

Many institutions use non-disclosure agreements to silence survivors. However, depending on the state and the circumstances under which you signed it, an NDA may not be enforceable, especially in cases involving crimes against a child.

An attorney can review the document and advise you whether it prevents you from pursuing a legal claim.

What evidence helps in a church abuse lawsuit?

Every case is unique, but evidence can include your own testimony, journals or diaries from the time of the abuse, letters, emails, and testimony from family members, friends, or therapists you confided in.

Documents from the church itself, such as records of transfers or internal complaints, can also become powerful evidence an attorney can obtain during the legal process.

Will my name become public if I file a lawsuit?

This is a common and valid concern. In many sexual abuse cases, courts allow survivors to file lawsuits using a pseudonym, such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” to protect their privacy. Your attorney will take every available measure to shield your identity throughout the legal process.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a church abuse case?

Our firm, like most representing abuse survivors, handles these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or a court award. If you do not win your case, you owe us nothing for our legal services.

What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case for sexual abuse?

• A criminal case is brought by the government (through a prosecutor) to punish an individual for a crime, with penalties like jail time.
• A civil case is a lawsuit filed by an individual (the plaintiff) against a person or institution (the defendant) to seek financial compensation for the harm they suffered.

You can pursue a civil lawsuit against an abuser and the institution that enabled them, regardless of whether prosecutors filed a criminal case.

Trust the Compassionate Team at Dolman Law Group to Guide You Toward Justice After Abuse and Cover-up in the LDS Church

If you are an adult survivor of sexual abuse connected to the Mormon Church, or if your child is a survivor, please know that your courage in acknowledging what happened is immense, and you have every right to seek justice. You are not alone, and the patterns of abuse you may have experienced or observed are being brought to light by others.

Understanding your legal options, especially considering the complexities of state-specific look-back laws and institutional accountability, is crucial. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is dedicated to assisting survivors of institutional church negligence and abuse. Our experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyers offer legal help and compassionate representation, fighting tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

For personalized advice regarding your experience and to learn how the evolving laws apply to your unique situation, contact Dolman Law Group for a free and confidential consultation. Call us at (866) 481-5347 or complete our confidential contact form today. We are here to support you in your pursuit of healing and justice.