If you or a family member had to endure sexual abuse, you might wonder who qualifies for a sex abuse claim against the Mormon Church. Generally, if the abuser was a Church official or leader, you could potentially hold the abuser to account as well as the institution of the Mormon Church. This can be true in cases in which you can prove that the Church failed to follow up on a report of abuse, protected the abuser, or denied the abuse to protect its reputation.
Acts that Qualify as Sexual Abuse
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual act where a perpetrator uses coercion, force, threats, or takes advantage of a victim unable to consent. This can include:
- Rape or attempted rape
- Unwanted sexual touching or contact
- Taking child sexual photographs or videos
- Displaying pornography to a child
Sexual abuse can be devastating for a victim and turn their entire life upside down. While the immediate effects can produce shock and fear, long-term effects can damage the victim’s mental and physical health and even impact 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 sex abuse claim against the Mormon Church.
Your next step can be to speak to a sex abuse lawyer, who can inform you about the laws and time limits for filing suit in your state. In some cases, even if the abuse occurred years ago, you could still have legal recourse, depending on the statute of limitations of the state in which you reside. State lawmakers increasingly recognize the need for offering sexual abuse victims the opportunity to hold perpetrators to account.
Victims may shy away from filing a sex abuse claim, afraid of the consequences a 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 sex abuse lawyer knows how to handle these highly sensitive cases and will aim to reduce any potential negative emotional impact on the victim.
Time Restrictions for Sex Abuse Claims
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 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 sex 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 legal action can make it hard to pursue justice and compensation.
However, even if your sex abuse happened many years ago, hope is not lost. You should seek advice from a sex abuse lawyer as soon as possible, as you could still recover compensation, especially now that many states opened up their time windows for filing 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 sex abuse lawyer can work with you closely and in confidentiality, 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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