If your spouse, relative, or friend has suffered from sexual abuse in the Church, they will need support. However, it is important to remember that not every victim wants to talk about what happened. It is best to leave it up to the survivor and offer them an open ear if and when they are ready to talk and ask for help.
Here are some ways you can help Mormon Church victims of sexual abuse:
Offer Non-Judgmental Support
As a friend, spouse, or parent, you might experience anger or even a sense of disbelief at what happened, especially if another Church member committed the sex abuse. Providing support can feel difficult. However, for victims of sexual abuse, it is immensely important to be able to rely on the full support of their family and friends. Listening in a non-judgmental way and being there for your loved one may be the most important action you can take.
Respect Their Decisions
Let your loved one know that you believe in them and support them wholeheartedly. This can include supporting your loved one in whatever decision they make, whether it is reporting the sexual abuse case to the police or choosing not to.
Do not pressure your loved one into taking action or force any information from them. You should, however, encourage them to tap into resources for abuse victims and to seek professional help, such as therapy, if they are open to it. Offer to be by their side whatever they choose to do.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-794-0444
Help Them Hold the Abuser to Account
Victims of sexual abuse may be afraid to speak out, especially if the abuser is a member of the Mormon Church. They might worry about being kicked out of the Church or worry about what people will think of them. Let them know that they have done nothing wrong and that friends, family, and the Church are behind them every step of the way.
Holding an abuser accountable will help your loved one and prevent others from becoming victims. Let your loved one know that they have the right to seek justice and compensation for their suffering and that you will have their back, whatever they choose to do.
Sex abuse can be devastating for a victim and might have a detrimental impact on the rest of their lives. However, having the support of friends and family can be crucial for helping a survivor move on with their lives. Their loved ones’ support can also give them the strength they need to stand up, speak out, and hold a perpetrator accountable for the abuse.
The Mormon Church Offers Help & Resources for Abuse Victims
In recent years, the Mormon Church has recognized the need to address the egregious sexual abuse cases by members within the institution. As a result, there are now various resources available to survivors, including a wealth of information and resources for victims of abuse and their families from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The website also offers advice on how to prevent sexual abuse in the church and protect children within the Church community.
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Hire a Mormon Church Clergy Abuse Lawyer
If your loved one expresses the wish to hold the perpetrator to account, you may want to hire a Mormon Church clergy abuse lawyer and find out what legal action you can take, such as filing a clergy abuse lawsuit. Victims of sexual abuse can feel overwhelmed and frightened when thinking about a court case and potentially having to confront their abuser.
They may also worry about the consequences of legal actions and whether a clergy abuse lawsuit will have an impact on their standing in the Church and community. You can support your loved one and reassure them that they deserve justice and compensation for what they have gone through. You can offer emotional and practical support if they intend to hold an abuser to account.
We Are Here for You
Contact us today to help a Mormon Church victim of sexual abuse. We can offer you a free sexual abuse case review and advise you on any legal options.
Sexual abuse can change a victim’s life and have consequences on their physical health, emotional health, and even their career. A perpetrator should not get away with causing this damage. Your loved one deserves compensation for any medical bills, therapy costs, or loss of income and life quality.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now and find out if one of our clergy abuse lawyers can help your loved one hold an abuser to account at (800) 219-9622.
Call or text 800-794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
