LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Coming forward with a sexual abuse claim can be incredibly difficult. Often, perpetrators are in positions of power and wield their influence to discourage and demoralize their victims. They might use guilt and shame to force you into silence. Religious organizations are known for using wealth, status, and weaponizing religious identity in fighting legitimate abuse allegations.

Learn more about how churches conceal sexual abuse reports.

How disclosing past sexual abuse can help with healing

According to researchers, victims who delay disclosure of their abuse into adulthood before seeking legal or therapeutic help also risk deeper trauma, depression and addiction. Most adults do not disclose their childhood sexual abuse until an average age of 52 years old.

Survivors of sexual abuse have identified three major barriers to disclosing their trauma:

• Concern for their relationship with the perpetrator
• Fear of retaliation or retribution
• Ignoring the trauma as a defense mechanism to feel normal

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was established in 1830 by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York. Smith published the Book of Mormon that same year. Following publication, LDS followers and communities grew in states like Ohio, Missouri and Illinois. In 1846, LDS members migrated to the Utah Valley of the Great Salt Lake and continued to build their communities there over time.

Today, the Mormon Church has members all over the world. The LDS Church structure and leadership includes but is not limited to bishops, stake presidents, missionaries and church leaders.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been involved in many claims of childhood sexual abuse spanning decades, and involving thousands of children. The statute of limitations window laws have opened in multiple states across the country and now provide the opportunity for LDS abuse victims to seek justice as adults, long after their abuse occurred.

For example, the California State Courts recently created a Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings (JCCP) for cases against LDS Church members. The council coordinates the California cases to facilitate pretrial discovery. All LDS state court lawsuits filed in California have been brought under one judge, which helps move the legal process along more quickly.

One of the lookback window laws passed in 2022 in California led to nearly 100 LDS sexual abuse allegations accusing members of the LDS Church of sexual abuse. Members accused included spiritual leaders, bishops and LDS home teachers.

Motley Rice attorneys have experience working with survivors of other childhood sexual abuse coverups. Our attorneys are currently accepting LDS sexual abuse claims and continue to advocate for those who have experienced sexual abuse in religious settings.

Learn more about lookback windows.

The LDS Church response to sexual abuse allegations

News stories over the past several years detail how the LDS Church allegedly covered up past abuse and failed to prevent widespread abuse from continuing through the implementation of proper supervision, policies, procedures, training, background checks, etc. Instead of reporting incidents of sexual abuse to law enforcement, LDS leaders encouraged members to call a Church helpline for guidance following disclosures of abuse.

Church leaders said this helpline was established as a source of guidance for church leadership following a disclosure of abuse. Some victims, attorneys and investigators now believe it instead suppressed and dismissed abuse claims, as the helpline was run by LDS attorneys. Members seeking guidance were instead recommended not to involve law enforcement in any investigation of the alleged abuse and to deal with the disclosure “in house.”

Individuals who experienced sexual abuse from a member of the Mormon Church may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the LDS Church, and others. Your attorney will help collect evidence and build your case.

People harmed as adults and as children may also be eligible for a Mormon sexual abuse lawsuit if the church covered up the abuse after they knew or should have known it was occurring.

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit will depend on the state, the extent of abuse and the type of lawsuit you pursue. In some states, newly enacted lookback window laws open the opportunity for adults who were victims of child sexual abuse to finally pursue legal action against their abusers in civil court.

What is the average settlement in a Mormon Church lawsuit?

It is difficult to provide an average settlement or judgment amount for a Mormon Church sexual abuse lawsuit, unless there is a jury verdict. Some settlements are confidential, and the amounts may vary according to the facts of each individual case. Law firms that promise a specific settlement amount may not have your best interests in mind.

In general, plaintiffs can sue the church and individuals who abused them for harms such as:

• Emotional distress
• Healthcare costs
• Lost wages
• Physical pain and suffering

Motley Rice attorneys understand the complexities of these cases to guide you through the legal process with compassion and determination. Our attorneys use a trauma-informed approach to handle sexual abuse cases. We aim to reduce retraumatization through every stage of the litigation process.

This trauma-informed lawyering approach empowers clients on their path to seeking justice. As part of this trauma informed approach, our attorneys work with the client to help amplify their voice against their abuser and the systems that enabled the abuse. By working closely with the client and understanding their goals, we can tailor our litigation strategy to achieve justice.

We have represented victims of child sex abuse from the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts and school teachers.

A Motley Rice sexual abuse attorney can help you:

• Determine your lawsuit eligibility
• Compile all necessary proof of abuse
• Investigate what harms you experienced
• Build your case to include all relevant information
• Litigate on your behalf in court

What are the statutes of limitations for LDS sexual abuse lawsuits?

A statute of limitations is the limited period of time a potential client has to file a civil claim. These time limits can change depending on state-specific laws. Lookback window laws have also been established in many states allowing survivors with expired claims the opportunity to pursue justice. These allow adults who were victims of childhood sexual abuse to file claims, no matter how long ago it occurred.

Is there an LDS Church class action lawsuit?

There is not a class action lawsuit or a multidistrict litigation (MDL) against the LDS Church. Still, thousands of individuals have filed lawsuits against the LDS Church on an individual or consolidated basis. We recommend that you consult with an attorney to determine your eligibility for this type of lawsuit.

Will my identity be kept confidential during a sexual abuse lawsuit?

Some states allow sexual abuse plaintiffs to file their lawsuits anonymously as Jane or John Does. Survivors who would like to keep their identity confidential can discuss this request with their attorney.

Our attorneys understand the importance of confidentiality in abuse cases and will take the necessary steps to protect our clients and their identities, as permitted by law.

What evidence do I need to pursue a sexual abuse claim against the LDS Church?

Any evidence the victim has to prove the sexual abuse occurred can be used when filing a claim, including the survivor’s testimony alone. A sexual abuse attorney can help you to evaluate what kinds of evidence may support your civil claims.

We understand how difficult it may feel to come forward with a sexual abuse lawsuit. In helping you seek justice, our trauma-informed lawyers prioritize your physical and mental well-being, offer expert support and empower you to heal through seeking justice.

Our law firm has extensive experience representing individuals who have unfortunately been victims of sexual abuse and assault.

This includes lawsuits against:

• Catholic Church clergy members
• School teachers

Read more on our sexual abuse litigation experience.