If you were sexually abused in the church, you might wonder what resources are available for victims of the Mormon Church. Fortunately, there is a wealth of resources that sex abuse survivors can access, including national and local support. In the first instance, members of the Mormon Church might wish to turn to their nearest and dearest and their church community for support, though this may not be a great option for everyone or every situation.
Resources within the Mormon Church
The Mormon Church recently has taken steps to provide resources for sex abuse survivors, recognizing the need for victims to find help from within the community. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has launched a website that provides resources for sexual abuse victims and their families and those who work with children.
The church also provides resources, including training videos, for those in leading roles who would benefit from knowing how to help and counsel sex abuse survivors.
However, it is easier for some abuse survivors to find resources outside of the community for various reasons. They might not want their community or friends to know what has happened to them. In some instances, they may fear that an abuser could retaliate or make life difficult for other family members. This can be a particular concern if the abuser is a well-respected church leader.
In other cases, they may have tried to access church resources for victims of sexual abuse and not found what they needed. There are many other options for getting help outside the church community.
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
If you are a survivor, you might want to find resources available for Mormon Church sex abuse survivors that are not necessarily tied to or overseen by the Church. While it may be daunting to pick up the phone to get help, getting the right support can be an important first step on your road to recovery.
One resource offering help for sexual abuse victims outside your church community is the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). The RAINN national hotline offers free 24/7 access and an online chat option for sex abuse survivors, assuring privacy and confidentiality.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
RAINN’s national sexual assault hotline can help in several ways. You can talk to a confidential trained support specialist and access a range of free services such as:
- Resources to help with recovery and healing from sex abuse
- Referral to local long-term support services
- Explain the applicable laws in your case
Since the national sexual assault hotline is anonymous and confidential, you do not have to provide any personal information.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
If you suspect or know that your child suffered abuse in the Mormon Church, or you are a minor yourself, you can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline for help.
The hotline operates 24/7, with professional crisis counselors providing advice and assistance. It offers a wealth of resources for sexual abuse victims, such as referrals to emergency and social services and general advice. The calls are completely confidential, so you will not have to reveal any personal information if you do not want to.
Childhelp also offers intervention services, helping to remove children from abusive and dangerous situations when there is no other way to keep them safe.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-794-0444
Your Mormon Sex Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Many more organizations for sexually abused victims are available for Mormon Church sexual abuse survivors. Your Mormon sex abuse lawyer knows of available resources for victims of sexual abuse and can assist you in finding help locally. You might also want to think about getting legal assistance and finding out whether you can hold a perpetrator accountable.
A sex abuse lawyer can analyze your case confidentially and inform you about legal avenues you could pursue. In some cases, you could recover compensation that can help you with recovery and healing, including but not limited to:
- Medical costs, including future medical costs
- Therapy to help with the emotional effects of abuse
- Awards for physical and emotional pain
- Awards for loss of life quality
- Any loss of income and future earning capacity
Sex abuse often has lasting effects on survivors’ physical and emotional well-being. Moreover, it can also have detrimental effects on their finances and careers. If a sex abuse perpetrator caused you emotional and physical pain and financial losses, you have the right to seek fair compensation.
We understand that making the first step and finding help for sexual abuse can be intimidating. However, sometimes making that first step and picking up the phone is the hardest step of all. You deserve compassionate support and practical help. We can partner with you and fight for justice on your behalf. We do not charge upfront attorney’s fees, and we get paid only if you win your case and recover compensation.
Contact Pintas & Mullins today for a free and confidential review of your sex abuse case at (800) 219-9622.
Call or text 800-794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
