If you or a family member had to endure sexual abuse, you might wonder who qualifies for a sexual abuse claim against the Mormon Church. Generally, if the abuser was a Church official or leader, you could hold the abuser to account as well as the institution of the Mormon Church. This can be true in cases in which you can show the Church failed to follow up on a report of abuse, protected the abuser, or denied the sexual abuse claim to protect its reputation.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines sexual abuse as any unwanted sexual act where a perpetrator uses coercion, force, threats, or takes advantage of a victim unable to consent. Examples of sexual abuse can include:
- Rape or attempted rape
- Unwanted sexual touching or contact
- Taking child sexual photographs or videos
- Displaying pornography to a child
The impact of sexual abuse can be devastating for a victim and turn their life upside down. While the immediate effects can produce shock and fear, long-term impact of sexual abuse can damage the victim’s mental and physical health and even affect their career negatively. If you or a loved one suffered from sex abuse in the Mormon Church, you potentially have legal recourse for pursuing compensation and qualify for a sexual abuse claim against the Mormon Church.
Your next step can be to speak to sexual offense lawyers, who can inform you about the laws and time limits for filing a sexual abuse claim t in your state. In some cases, even if the abuse occurred years ago, you could still have legal recourse, depending on your state’s statute of limitations for sexual assault cases. State lawmakers increasingly recognize the need to offer sexual abuse victims the opportunity to hold perpetrators to account.
Victims may shy away from filing a sexual abuse claim, afraid of the consequences a Mormon victim abuse lawsuit could have on their standing in the Church. They may also be afraid of facing their abuser in a court of law. However, taking legal action—while it can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for victims—is a way to find closure, hold the abuser to account, and potentially receive compensation. A sexual offense lawyer knows how to handle these highly sensitive cases and will aim to reduce any potential negative emotional impact on the victim.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Cases
In recent years, some states have relaxed their deadlines for initiating legal actions, including New York, New Jersey, Arizona, and others, according to the Associated Press (AP). However, not all other states have followed suit and made it easier for sex abuse victims to file sexual abuse claims.
Generally, timely action is always a good idea if you want to hold a perpetrator and the Church liable for your suffering and damages. Filing a sexual abuse claim as soon as you can, can help to collect evidence such as witness statements. Also, consider that the perpetrator might move away. Waiting to pursue a Mormon victim abuse lawsuit can make it hard to pursue justice and compensation.
However, even if your sexual abuse happened many years ago, hope is not lost. You should seek advice from a sexual offense lawyer as soon as possible, as you could still recover compensation, especially now that many states expanded the statute of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-794-0444
You Could Recover Compensation
Sex abuse claims are sensitive issues that one should not feel the need to handle alone. A sexual offense lawyer can work with you closely and in confidence, making your concerns and wishes a priority at all times. It is understandable to feel hesitant and have doubts about going the route of legal action. We understand that many victims fear having to come eye-to-eye with their abuser in court.
However, consider that sex abuse lawsuits can often find resolution with an out-of-court settlement; we could strive to achieve this in your case, too. If it does come to a trial, we can support you and help you through the process compassionately.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, whether it happened recently or many years ago, you do have the right to fight for justice and adequate compensation, and we can be with you every step of the way, defending your best interests.
You could receive compensation for medical or counseling bills, lost income, and non-economic damages such as emotional suffering and loss of life quality. Depending on your case, you could also receive other types of compensation as well as punitive damages.
The first step toward getting justice is only a phone call away. To receive a complimentary and confidential evaluation of your case with one of our team members, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 219-9622.
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