The Mormon Church has 17 million members across 31,330 congregations. Members have a right to come out against abuse, but the church is unwilling to protect members even though they condemn the abuse. As your Mormon Church sex abuse lawyer, we’ll:
- Handle your case with care to never revictimize you
- Give you your voice back to fight against the abuse
- Take defendants to trial if a settlement cannot be reached
Members or leaders of the church must be held accountable for their actions – or inaction. Abuse from decades ago can be brought to light.
Our team of trusted lawyers has 55+ years of experience helping victims get the justice they deserve.
We know the scars abuse leaves on the 1-in-4 girls and 1-in-13 boys that experience sexual abuse in the U.S. Our attorneys are trained by mental health professionals to handle sensitive cases like these without revictimizing the victim.
Don’t let the fear and anxiety of facing church members and leaders stop you from seeking justice.
Click here to schedule a free, confidential consultation with us.
Recent Reports of Abuse at the Mormon Church
Abuse often goes unreported, and it’s not uncommon for victims or their parents to report the abuse to the church and it be swept under the rug. A female victim of abuse, 31 at the time of her report, started having distributing flashbacks when she was 29 years old.
She recounts:
- Anxiety and dread even thinking of dating anyone when growing up
- Confusion and disgust when thinking about relationships
- Memories of the attacker slipping into her bed at night
The attacker was her father, who remains free to this day. Multiple accounts of abuse were stated, and the father even admitted to the abuse, which was recorded at the time.
Church officials knew of the abuse, according to the father, who stated that he repented to church leaders at the time. What is even more surprising is the victim’s ordeal with the church, which went to great lengths to keep abuse private and asked that all recordings be deleted within 10 days.
The church even used nondisclosure agreements to keep victims and witnesses silent.
Supreme Courts Side with Church
Arizona’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of the church in 2023 in a ruling that concerns victims who put their trust in the church to report abuse. The court found that during a confessional, officials are exempt from having to report child sex abuse.
The court’s siding with the church is a blow to victims who argue that when the church knows of abuse, they have a responsibility to report it.
Clergy are required to report abuse when it involves:
- Child neglect
- Child sexual abuse
The new ruling adds protection to the clergy, who, after the verdict, do not need to report the abuse if it’s mentioned during a spiritual confession. The Court of Appeals also found that the clergy could:
- Refuse to answer questions due to clergy-penitent privilege
- Refuse to hand over disciplinary records
Victims face an upward battle when facing the Mormon Church. You’ll be up against a very influential and powerful organization, but you’re not alone.
We’ll identify all liable parties and fight to hold every party accountable so that they’re no longer free to abuse others. You deserve justice and the time to heal from the abuse that is often covered up to stop the church or clergy from a tarnished reputation.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Cohen & Malad, LLP today.
Will There Be a National Database?
While there is no official national database of sexual abuse incidents in the Mormon Church, the organization Floodlit has created its own database of 700+ reports of sex abuse.
The database includes copies of court records and information about alleged incidents.
I Was a Victim. Who Can I Report to?
If you were a victim of sexual abuse by a member of the church, you can report the incident to:
- Your local police department
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online
Reporting the abuse is the first step to healing, taking back your power and finding your voice.
Holding Abusers Accountable Through a Civil Lawsuit
If you, your child or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse under the Mormon Church, you have the right to seek damages. Some church organizations have a history of covering up allegations and failing to take action to protect members.
Litigation gives survivors a chance to have their voices heard and hold the Mormon Church accountable for their actions. While no amount of money can make up for the trauma and pain you’ve suffered, taking legal action can give you a sense of justice. A Mormon Church sex abuse lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Through a lawsuit, survivors of sexual abuse can seek compensation for damages, including:
- Medical care for the treatment of injuries or illnesses related to the abuse.
- Pain and suffering, including emotional and physical injuries resulting from the abuse.
- The loss of quality of life, which can include loss of social ties or the inability to form meaningful relationships as a result of the sexual abuse.
- Lost income or wages if the physical or psychological effects of the abuse forced you to take time off of work.
Several other factors may also impact which damages you can pursue and how much you can seek.
Understanding the Claim Process and Burden of Proof
When taking legal action in sex abuse cases, you must have proof of your claim. Working with an experienced Mormon Church sex abuse lawyer is crucial because they will know what forms of evidence to gather to establish liability.
Evidence can include:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Sexual assault evidence collection kit
- Church records
- Witness accounts
- Photos of the injuries
Any member or leader of the church can be held liable for sexual abuse if they:
- Carry out the sexual abuse or assault
- Intentionally cover up the abuse to protect the abuser
- Fail to report the abuse to law enforcement
Church organizations can be held liable for damages regardless of who is directly at fault for the abuse.
Many cases involving sexual abuse under the Mormon Church are settled out of court. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
Resources for Survivors
Contact Cohen & Malad, LLP to Schedule a Consultation
Sexual abuse is a traumatic and painful experience that no one should have to endure, and it becomes especially painful when the abuser is someone you trust. The Mormon Church may try to cover up the abuse, which makes it even more challenging to have your voice heard and your abuser held accountable.
An experienced Mormon Church sex abuse lawyer can help you pursue justice and fight for the compensation you need to heal and cope with the abuse.
Contact Cohen & Malad, LLP today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
