While it can be difficult to know exactly how long sexual abuse has been going on in the Mormon Church, there is some evidence that it may go back at least as far as the 1950s. A document published by the whistleblowing organization Mormon Leaks detailed instances of sexual abuse going back as far as 1957.
However, most sexual abuse claims have surfaced in the last few decades, with some of these cases going back to the 1980s. AP News reports that former missionary McKenna Denson recently sued the Mormon Church, stating that she was raped by a local Church leader in the early 1980s.
More victims have come forward from the 1990s and onwards. Some have claimed that despite reporting the abuse to church officials at the time, the Mormon Church did nothing to help them pursue justice or compensation. They allege that the Church was more interested in protecting the abusers and its reputation.
We can only know the full extent of abuse when victims come forward to speak out and hold the perpetrators to account. Since we cannot know whether all victims of abuse have come forward throughout the years, we cannot know exactly how long sex abuse has been going on in the Mormon Church. However, we know that there have been instances of abuse in the Mormon Church going back at least several decades.
If you or a loved one had to endure egregious sexual offenses by Mormon Church members, even if it happened many years ago, you could still have legal recourse. A sex abuse lawyer can help you assess your legal options and determine your next best steps.
Victims Could Still Recover Compensation
Even if your abuse in the Mormon Church happened many decades ago, you could still potentially sue your perpetrator and the Church for your suffering. According to the Connecticut General Assembly, more than ten states made recent changes to their statute of limitations laws that extend the time windows for filing sexual abuse lawsuits. This allows those who suffered from abuse years ago to hold their abusers and potentially other liable parties accountable.
If your abuse case stems from many decades ago, you may look back on your life and recognize the negative impact it had on you. The Journal for Family Psychology states that the effects of child abuse can persist throughout the victim’s life. Everybody has a different experience, but some of the devastating effects of abuse can be:
- An unwanted pregnancy
- A variety of relationship problems
- Problems with intimacy
- Social isolation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety and depression
In a survey of sexual abuse survivors, nine out of ten of those surveyed mentioned that their intimate relationships had suffered due to the effects of abuse, while 89 percent stated that the abuse had a negative impact on their mental health.
Perhaps surprisingly, 72% said that having been the victim of sexual abuse has damaged their career, and almost half stated that their financial situation had also suffered. If this has happened to you, you can take action to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
In a lawsuit, you could recover compensation for any monetary damages as well as so-called non-economic damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical costs
- Counseling
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of life quality
You could also recover punitive damages.
Your Next Best Steps
Initiating a lawsuit can be challenging when it concerns a historic abuse case. First of all, you will have to find out if your state will still permit you to file a lawsuit. You may not know where your abuser lives or even if they are still alive. Collecting evidence and building your case against the Mormon Church all these years later can feel overwhelming.
However, you do not have to struggle with doing this on your own. A sex abuse lawyer knows the laws and can inform you of the statutes of limitations in your state. Your lawyer can also advise you on your best course of action.
As a survivor of abuse, you may worry about filing a lawsuit, and the feelings and memories it could stir up. We understand and can talk it through with you so you can make an informed decision that you are completely comfortable with. Getting justice, even after many years, can provide closure.
If you have any questions or would like to find out if you have legal recourse, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation at (800) 219-9622.
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