Sexual abuse in the Mormon Church among missionaries has frequently occurred over the years, and victims still report instances of assault they experienced in the Mormon Church. Recently, more victims and their families have come forward with stories of sexual abuse that took place in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) and by members of the Church, some of whom enjoyed the protections of church authorities.
Missions in the Mormon Church
According to PBS, Mormon prophet and founder of the LDS church, Joseph Smith, believed it his duty to share his message with the entire world. His family became the first Mormon missionaries, and as they continued to convert strangers into believers, they recruited more of “God’s Army,” as they refer to themselves, to continue the work. Today, men aged 19 to 26 account for the largest number of Mormon missionaries, although women over 21 may serve on missions, as well.
Among the many underage victims who suffered sexual abuse in the Mormon church, young adult missionaries have also revealed they, too, experienced sexual abuse, much of which occurred while on their missions. Additionally, some victims have suffered abuse at the hands of Mormon missionaries themselves. Attorneys can help these victims hold the Church accountable for their trauma.
Sexual Abuse by Mormon Missionaries
Many stories have come out about sexual abuse involving Mormon missionaries, church members and clergy, some of which occurred decades ago. Two particular stories that have come to light about the abuse of women and children in the Church involve a missionary training center and a well-known male missionary who used their respected positions to prey on innocent victims. These represent known cases, but many more may exist.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that in the 1980s, the president of the LDS Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah took a young woman aside and asked to see her breasts. The woman later revealed that he tried to rape her. While the now 85-year-old perpetrator said he does not remember the incident, he apologized profusely and admitted that he had confessed to the Church many other instances of sexual misconduct.
ABC News reports that families began speaking out against the Church in 2019 based on their experiences with the teenage son of a prominent Mormon family in West Virginia, who also served as a missionary. The families allege that the now-adult sexually abused two young girls they entrusted to his care. The court eventually convicted the man, who received a prison sentence.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Mormon Sexual Abuse of Missionaries in Dangerous Mission Fields
In addition to sexual abuse suffered by Mormon missionary victims, some Mormon missionaries have also reported experiencing assault by locals in unsafe mission fields. The two women in this story explained that the Church sent them to dangerous areas of foreign countries to serve their missions. They suffered sexual abuse by violent men, and they suspect that other women have had similar encounters.
The Response of the Mormon Church to Sexual Abuse by and Toward Missionaries
Many of the cases in the news about sexual abuse in the Mormon Church do not involve the criminal charges of the perpetrator but the civil claims of the victims against the Church for their failure to protect the innocent. They allege that the Church has a history of sweeping incidents under the rug to avoid lawsuits, and the Church itself admitted that it did not “respond well” to sexual assaults in the mission field. While a particular Church leader states that he attempts to use his position to improve in this area, this response may prove too little too late for the Mormon Church itself in terms of the damage suffered by its victims.
Click to contact our lawyers today
Legal Recourse for Victims of Mormon Sexual Abuse
Victims of Mormon Church sexual abuse need to know that there are resources and avenues available to them to seek justice and receive support:
- Report abuse to legal authorities. Local law enforcement can pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator.
- File a civil lawsuit. Filing a civil suit against both the abuser and the church, especially if the church has proven negligent in not taking appropriate action to deal with the abuser or safeguard the victim to prevent abuse.
- Contact a law firm. Many law firms, like Pintas & Mullins, specialize in these types of cases. They have the expertise to effectively handle the case while being cognizant of the victim’s need for sensitivity and confidentiality.
- Support services for victims of Mormon sexual abuse. There are counseling and support services available to victims of LDS sexual abuse.
It’s important for victims to be mindful of the statutes of limitations in both civil and criminal matters in their jurisdictions. An attorney who specializes in these types of cases can assist in this area.
How Sexual Abuse Affects Its Victims
Researchers have consistently found evidence of what victims have known all along: sexual assault has long-term physical and psychological effects. Victims often suffer mental and emotional disturbances such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trouble sleeping, and serious effects on their physical health. Victims of sexual abuse may have a higher risk of developing physical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
In some cases, the effects of assault can even impact the financial stability of victims. If you suffered Morman Church sexual abuse, a lawyer can help you seek financial recovery for your lasting damages.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Improving Safety and Support for Mormon Missionaries
The LDS Church can and should provide a safer, more supportive environment for its Mormon missionaries. Preventive steps could include:
- Intensive training. Required training for church leadership and missionaries on recognizing, preventing, and responding to sexual abuse and harassment.
- Written policies and procedures. Establishing clear, written policies regarding sexual misconduct and establishing a zero-tolerance stance communicated to all missionaries and staff.
- Effective reporting. Establishing a safe, confidential means for reporting abuse that affords anonymity to the victim.
- Background checks. Performing thorough background checks on all leadership and supervisors of missionaries.
- Support services. Easily accessible support services and counseling for missionaries who are victims of sexual abuse.
- Transparency and accountability. Maintaining transparency in all investigations in addition to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of their position in the church.
- Cultivating a culture of safety and respect. Ensuring safety and respect are present in all dealings while empowering missionaries with the freedom to speak up without fear of retaliation.
A Mormon Church Sex Abuse Lawyer Can Help You with Your Case
The Mormon Church has come under fire in recent years for their allowance of some sexual abuse by members and authorities, as well as their failure to properly handle confessions and reports. If you or your child suffered sexual abuse in the Mormon Church by a Mormon missionary or another person in the LDS church, the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will advocate for you by fighting for fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us today at (800) 219-9622 to speak with our legal team about your free case evaluation.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
