The statute of limitations for filing a child sex abuse case against the Mormon Church varies by state. You can find more information on these state statutes on the Child USA website. However, there may be exceptions to some of these rules, depending on factors such as the type of sexual abuse you experienced and when the abuse was discovered.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse that happened many years ago, you are probably trying to find out whether you have legal recourse. A good way to inform yourself about the time limit that may apply in your individual case is to speak to a legal professional.
Recent Changes in Statutes of Limitations
Victims of sexual abuse may be reluctant to come forward for a number of years or even decades in some cases. There can be many reasons for this. In abuse cases where the victim was a minor, for example, they may have been too afraid to come forward at the time. They might also have worried that nobody would believe them, especially if the abuser was a highly respected leader or bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the Mormon Church.
Abusers also sometimes threaten and shame their victims in an effort to keep them silent. In other cases, the victim may have felt too embarrassed to come forward, or they might have feared retaliation or the prospect of getting kicked out of their Church community.
In some sexual abuse cases, a child suffers extensive psychological trauma, which can lead to memory suppression and disassociation, meaning that a child may not even remember that they suffered from sexual abuse. The abuse may only come to light when they are well into their adult years, such as during psychological counseling or therapy for unrelated issues.
There have also been reports of the Mormon Church failing to take action when victims did report sex abuse. This can then lead to victims dropping their allegations or delaying the reporting of sexual abuse to local authorities.
Lawmakers in several states now recognize the difficulties victims of sexual abuse may face. Efforts have been made to change or extend statutes of limitations in order to help victims fight for justice and recover compensation for their damages.
States that Have Taken Action
According to the Associated Press (AP), at least 15 states have made it easier to sue over sex abuse in recent years. Eight states and the District of Columbia have created so-called “lookback windows.” This allows people who suffered sexual abuse to file for legal action no matter how long ago the offense happened. Although the specific time windows and requirements vary slightly between the eight states, these provisions make it much easier for victims of abuse to file a claim.
In addition to the District of Columbia, the states that recently created these lookback windows include New York, New Jersey, California, Arizona, Montana, Hawaii, Vermont, and North Carolina.
Several other states have also recently extended their statutes of limitations in child sex abuse cases, including Alabama, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In addition, some states will grant exceptions to existing laws and time limits, depending on the circumstances of the claim.
One could argue that the tide is finally turning in favor of sex abuse victims, making it easier for survivors to get justice even for historical cases of sexual abuse.
Your Legal Options
Thankfully, society’s perceptions and those of the courts regarding sexual abuse are changing, providing more opportunities to victims who may have previously hesitated to report their sexual abuse. If you would like to know what the statute of limitations is for filing a sex abuse case against the Mormon Church in your state, you can consult with a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. Every state has different time limits, and in some cases, exceptions could allow you to file your claim now, even though you did not have a way to get legal recourse in previous years.
We may not only help you find out whether you can still file your claim, but also assist you with all aspects of your lawsuit, including:
- Assessing your legal options
- Gathering evidence to prove your claim
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating your damages
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the defendants
- Taking your case to trial and representing you strongly in court, if needed
We understand that it is never easy for survivors of sexual abuse to confront their abuser and potentially re-live painful and traumatizing memories during a lawsuit. However, we can stand by you through the entire process and handle your case with empathy and confidentiality.
We believe that you deserve justice, no matter when your abuse took place. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for a free consultation at (800) 219-9622.