LDS Church Sexual Abuse Claims: Overview
Over the past decade, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has faced mounting public and legal pressure over widespread sexual abuse claims involving both children and adults.
The wave of litigation and survivor testimony paints a picture of institutional negligence, where church leaders failed to respond adequately—or at all—to reports of abuse within church communities.
At the heart of these allegations is a pattern seen in other religious abuse scandals, particularly within the Catholic Church: internal procedures, legal shielding, and a culture of silence that allowed sexual perpetrators to act with impunity.
Numerous lawsuits allege that LDS leaders not only mishandled abuse reports but used church resources to conceal them.
One major point of contention is the church’s “help line” for bishops, which critics and court filings say was routinely used to advise religious leaders not to report child sexual abuse to law enforcement, instead routing cases to legal counsel retained by the church.
The following developments represent key moments in the slow push for transparency and accountability:
- 2018: The LDS Church released a statement acknowledging past abuse but claimed that legal responsibility lay primarily with individual offenders—not the institution.
- February 2021: In Arizona, a lawsuit alleged that a bishop was told by the church’s legal help line not to report a confession of ongoing child abuse, allowing it to continue for years.
- February 2021: A man in Oregon filed suit alleging that LDS leaders facilitated systemic abuse by ignoring reports and failing to protect minors.
- August 2022: An in-depth AP investigation exposed how the church’s help line routinely funneled abuse reports into a legal black hole, allegedly prioritizing liability protection over child safety.
- April 2023: Jury awards Riverside, California woman $2.3 billion in a sex abuse lawsuit that had involved the Mormon church.
- 2024: Plaintiffs in New Mexico came forward as part of a broader movement, arguing that the church’s policies and leadership structure enabled decades of abuse.
- 2025: More and more victims of forcible sexual abuse and childhood sexual abuse come forward to share their story and file claims against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
As the legal system begins to unravel decades of secrecy, adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault are beginning to receive the public recognition and legal remedies they were long denied.
LDS Church Sexual Abuse Cases: Thousands of Reports Against LDS Church Members and Church Leaders
FLOODLIT, a non-profit organization, compiles and publishes reports about sexual abuse or sex crimes perpetrated by participating members of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon/LDS church), and about the LDS church’s responses to individual sex crime accusations, allegations of organizational misconduct regarding sexual abuse, and public demands for reform.
Currently, FLOODLIT has compiled more than 4,000 individual instances of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and other sex crimes perpetrated by local church leaders, church members, and others tied to the religious institution.
LDS Church’s “Help Line” Controversy
Investigations revealed that the LDS Church’s 24/7 “help line,” intended for bishops to report abuse, often directed them to church attorneys rather than law enforcement.
This practice allegedly discouraged reporting of alleged abuse, allowing perpetrators continued access to victims.
According to a 2022 Associated Press investigation, the help line was staffed by lawyers from the church-owned firm Kirton McConkie, who advised leaders on how to limit legal liability rather than protect children.
In the case of Paul Adams, a known abuser in Arizona, bishops followed legal advice from the help line and failed to alert police—resulting in years of continued abuse and the birth of children from incest.
Former church insiders told reporters that this was not an isolated incident, but a pattern designed to contain damaging information within the institution.
Critics argue that the help line created a false sense of action while functioning as a legal shield to preserve the church’s reputation and minimize civil lawsuit exposure.
As a result, survivors and advocates have called for a complete overhaul of how abuse allegations are handled within the church.
Types of Sexual Abuse Claimed in Lawsuits Against the Mormon Church
Lawsuits filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints describe a range of deeply disturbing abuse allegations, involving both children and adults.
Survivors recount experiences that include being manipulated, coerced, or forced into sexual acts by trusted authority figures within their congregations.
Many claims involve bishops, youth leaders, or family members sexually abusing minors under the guise of spiritual mentorship or discipline.
In some of the most harrowing cases, young children were forced to witness sexual acts, sometimes involving siblings or other minors, compounding the trauma.
Legal filings often describe sexual abuse actions that occurred during church-sponsored activities, youth camps, or in private settings under the supervision of church members.
Allegations indicate that the Utah-based church failed to take appropriate action even when abuse was reported internally.
Some victims claim their attempts to speak up were met with dismissal, shame, or spiritual manipulation intended to suppress disclosure.
Others state that leaders emphasized forgiveness over accountability, pressuring victims to remain silent to protect the church’s image.
These lawsuits show that child sex abuse within religious organizations can take many forms—ranging from overt assault to prolonged grooming and exploitation for an adult’s sexual gratification.
Below are the most common types of abuse described in lawsuits against the LDS Church:
- Molestation by church leaders or family members in church settings
- Grooming of minors through youth programs or leadership roles
- Sexual assault during one-on-one “worthiness” interviews
- Exposure to or participation in pornographic or sexually explicit material
- Forcing a child witness sexual acts involving adults or other children
- Touching, fondling, or coercion under the guise of spiritual authority
- Rape (orally, vaginally, or anally)
- Psychological abuse tied to sexual manipulation or silence
- Use of spiritual threats to suppress reporting or control victims
- Ongoing abuse after church leadership failed to remove known offenders
- Emotional and mental manipulation
These patterns demonstrate that sexual abuse in religious institutions often extends beyond physical violations—it includes the abuse of power, manipulation of belief, and a systemic failure to protect the vulnerable.
The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse—especially those harmed in religious environments—often carry the weight of trauma long after the abuse has ended.
Many report persistent psychological effects that disrupt relationships, spiritual identity, and everyday functioning.
Some develop eating disorders, struggling to regain a sense of control over their bodies and emotions after years of silence or manipulation.
Others experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD that interferes with their ability to feel safe or trust others.
These impacts are intensified when the abuse is minimized, denied, or covered up by institutions meant to protect them.
Common effects of sexual abuse on survivors include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Eating disorders, struggling to regulate food, body image, or self-perception
- Chronic shame or low self-worth
- Dissociation or emotional numbness
- Trouble forming or maintaining healthy relationships
- Fear of authority figures or spiritual institutions
- Substance abuse or self-harming behaviors
Resources for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in the Mormon Church
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), there are dedicated resources available to support your healing and pursuit of justice.
Victims experiencing sexual abuse are encouraged to seek assistance from organizations that specialize in trauma recovery, legal advocacy, and survivor support.
These resources offer confidential services, including counseling, legal guidance, and community support, tailored to the unique challenges faced by survivors within religious contexts.
Engaging with these organizations can be a crucial step toward recovery and empowerment.
Support Resources for Survivors:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers a 24/7 confidential hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and online chat for survivors seeking immediate support and information.
- FLOODLIT: Provides a comprehensive database of LDS-related sexual abuse cases and offers a private support network for survivors seeking community and resources.
- Latter Day Survivors: A platform sharing survivor stories and offering support for those affected by abuse within the LDS Church, aiming to break the silence and promote healing.
- Utah Children’s Justice Center: Coordinates investigations and provides support services for child abuse victims in Utah, ensuring a child-friendly environment for interviews and assistance.
These organizations are committed to supporting survivors through every step of their healing journey, offering services that respect confidentiality and individual needs.
Reaching out can be a powerful move toward reclaiming your voice and finding justice.
Do You Qualify for the Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Survivors who were harmed by leaders, volunteers, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the institution.
If you were subjected to grooming, inappropriate sexual behavior, or were sexually molested in a church-affiliated setting, you may qualify for compensation.
This includes abuse that occurred during youth programs, private church meetings, missionary training, or family-related church functions.
Many current lawsuits involve individuals who suffered abuse years or even decades ago, as changes in statute of limitations laws have reopened legal pathways for victims.
Eligibility may also depend on whether church authorities were aware of the abuse and failed to take action.
Multiple Mormon church scandals have revealed that church officials were often informed of abuse but discouraged victims or their families from reporting it.
If your experience aligns with these patterns—particularly if your case involved clergy cover-up or institutional neglect—you could have a viable legal claim.
A sexual abuse attorney can review your circumstances confidentially and help determine whether you qualify to participate in ongoing legal action.
Gathering Evidence for Mormon Church Sex Abuse Cases
Building a strong case against a religious institution like the LDS Church often requires careful documentation and corroboration.
Survivors may not have physical evidence, but legal claims can still succeed with detailed testimony and supporting materials.
Even partial records or past communications can help establish a pattern of misconduct or institutional negligence.
Helpful evidence in Mormon Church sex abuse cases may include:
- Personal journals, notes, or emails describing the abuse
- Witness testimony from family members, fellow church members, or friends
- Reports made to bishops, stake presidents, or LDS Family Services
- Medical or psychological evaluations showing trauma or related diagnoses
- Police reports or child protective services filings, even if no charges were brought
- Photographs, church records, or appointment logs that place the abuser in contact with the survivor
- Recordings or transcripts of church disciplinary hearings or interviews
- Any communication from church leaders discouraging you from reporting the abuse
Even if you’re unsure whether what you have counts as evidence, speaking with an attorney can help clarify what is useful and how to protect your legal rights.
Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In a lawsuit, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to a victim for the harm they’ve suffered—physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
In sexual abuse claims, damages are meant to recognize both the immediate and long-term effects of the abuse, including pain, trauma, and the costs associated with recovery.
Survivors filing lawsuits against the LDS Church may be eligible for a range of damages depending on the nature of the abuse and how it has affected their lives.
Types of damages that may be available in Mormon Church sexual abuse cases include:
- Medical expenses for therapy, psychiatric care, or hospital treatment
- Pain and suffering for emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of quality of life
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity due to long-term psychological effects
- Costs of relocating or leaving the church community for safety or well-being
- Punitive damages to penalize the church for gross negligence or systemic misconduct
- Loss of consortium or familial relationships due to the fallout of abuse
- Future care costs for ongoing counseling or mental health support
- Emotional distress damages linked to shame, isolation, or betrayal by trusted figures
An experienced attorney can assess your case and help pursue the full extent of compensation you’re legally entitled to receive.
How Long Do I Have to File a Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
The amount of time you have to file a Mormon Church sexual abuse lawsuit depends on the laws in your state, particularly the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse or institutional abuse cases.
Many states have extended or removed time limits altogether, especially for survivors of childhood abuse.
Some states have passed “lookback windows” that allow victims to file claims even if the abuse happened decades ago.
If you were sexually molested or harmed by a church member or leader, you may still have legal options regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Because these laws vary widely, it’s important to speak with an attorney who understands clergy abuse litigation.
A lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you’re still eligible to take action.
TorHoerman Law: Investigating the Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
At TorHoerman Law, we believe that institutions must be held accountable when they protect abusers instead of the people they claim to serve.
Our team is actively investigating claims of sexual abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and working with survivors who are ready to come forward.
We understand the courage it takes to speak out—especially when the abuse involves trusted religious leaders or occurred many years ago.
Whether you were harmed as a child or as an adult, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and pursue justice for the pain you’ve endured.
TorHoerman Law has years of experience representing survivors in high-profile institutional abuse cases, and we are committed to handling every case with compassion, discretion, and determination.
We will investigate your claim, help gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process while protecting your confidentiality at every stage.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse within the Mormon Church, contact TorHoerman Law for a free, private consultation.
There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.
