If you are trying to determine whether you were a victim of childhood sexual abuse by the Mormon Church, note that you would most likely remember some part of what happened to you as a child. Since you may not necessarily remember all the details or what the abuse entailed, it can be helpful to find professional help in the way of counseling.
Memories of sexual abuse can be difficult for victims to process. In fact, some psychologists believe that children can repress or push aside any memories of abuse. Repressed memory is a concept that was originally introduced by Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud over one hundred years ago. Freud’s theory regarding repressed memories was that those who suffered considerable trauma in childhood could develop memory repression as a protection mechanism. According to the theory, some child abuse victims may not remember the actual events, but they can develop various symptoms related to childhood sexual abuse.
The repressed memories theory is somewhat contested, however. Even Freud conceded that some of the memories that his patients “remembered” in therapy were not real and reliable memories. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some clinicians believe in memory repression theory, also called “disassociation.” Others dispute the theory, citing that there is little evidence available to support it. The APA states that while most children remember sexual abuse, they may not fully understand it or talk about it in a way that adults would pick up on. The association blames the media for dramatizing the issue and concentrating on the least likely memory repression event, which is total amnesia around childhood sexual abuse.
Repressed Memory Therapy
While there is some controversy regarding repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse victims, practitioners offer therapy that can potentially unearth repressed memories. Repressed memory therapy treatments can include, among others:
- Hypnosis
- Age regression techniques
- Guided imagery
- Neuro-linguistic therapy
Some psychologists warn that repressed memory therapy can produce false memories through suggestion. This can have disastrous consequences for the individual and others, as the individual could falsely accuse family or community members of abuse.
If you were a victim of LDS Church sexual abuse, there are many other resources available to you to receive help and healing.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children
In some cases, when a victim is very young, or the sexual abuse led to significant trauma, a child may not remember anything or only very little of the actual abuse.
When a child suffers from sexual abuse, they may not tell anyone about it. However, you can potentially spot the following signs of sexual abuse:
Changes in Behavior
A child may become “difficult” and clingy, suffer from frequent nightmares, or start to wet the bed. They may also avoid the abuser in particular.
Inappropriate Behavior
Children suffering from sex abuse may start to exhibit sexually inappropriate behavior or use sexual language.
Some children may also develop problems at school or various health issues when they have suffered from sexual abuse.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-794-0444
Signs of Repressed Sexual Trauma Surfacing Later in Life
Sometimes, a victim of abuse cannot recall all or most of the sexual abuse that happened to them in childhood. However, sexual abuse can negatively impact all areas of a person’s life, even if they do not remember much of it.
How to Know if You Were a Victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse within the Mormon Church
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse but you cannot remember much, several symptoms can point to abuse in childhood, for example:
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder
- Developing eating disorders
- Suffering from panic attacks
- Abusing substances such as alcohol or drugs
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Problems forming lasting relationships
- Emotional instability
- Chronic insomnia
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Inability to form intimate relationships
- Unfulfilling sex life
If you believe that you endured childhood sexual abuse in the Mormon Church but you cannot recall many or any details, consider seeking professional help. Therapy can potentially help you get clarity on what happened. Your memory about the events, as well as who committed the abuse, might come back to you.
You Could Have Legal Recourse
Even if your abuse happened many years ago, you could have legal recourse if you can identify your abuser and recall some of the events. You could potentially recover compensation that can help you deal with some of the negative effects of sexual abuse on your life. Compensation can also pay for any medical expenses, such as therapy. You could further receive compensation for any pain and suffering and emotional effects of abuse.
Pintas & Mullins Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
In the first instance, you can speak to us if you are seeking legal advice and guidance. In a free consultation, we can determine whether you have an LDS Church sexual abuse case and what your next best steps may be to hold an abuser to account. Call us now to make an appointment for a free case evaluation with our clergy sexual abuse lawyers at (800) 219-9622.
Call or text 800-794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
