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Do You Qualify?
Eligibility Checklist
- Were sexually abused by an LDS Church member, leader, bishop, youth leader, or teacher
- The abuse occurred in a Church context (meetinghouse, temple, Church activity, mission, etc.)
- The Church or its leaders knew or should have known about the abuser
- The Church failed to report the abuse to authorities or take action to protect children
- You have suffered lasting harm as a result of the abuse
How the LDS Church's Institutional Structure Enables and Conceals Abuse
In Plain Language
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates an institutional structure that, according to lawsuits and investigative reporting, systematically enables sexual abuse and then conceals it. From the lay clergy system that places untrained bishops in positions of authority over children, to the help line that routes abuse reports through Church attorneys rather than law enforcement, to the internal discipline process that handles abuse as a sin rather than a crime — each structural element creates opportunities for abuse and barriers to accountability.
The Bishop/Clergy Privilege System
LDS bishops are lay clergy — unpaid local leaders with no professional training in child protection, pastoral counseling, or abuse recognition. Yet they are vested with enormous authority over their congregations, including conducting private one-on-one interviews with children and youth behind closed doors where sexually explicit questions about "moral worthiness" are standard. When a child discloses abuse to their bishop, the bishop is instructed to call the Church's help line rather than law enforcement. In states with clergy-penitent privilege exemptions, this structure creates a legal shield that prevents the information from reaching authorities.
The Help Line System
The LDS Church maintains a toll-free help line that bishops are instructed to call when they learn of abuse allegations. While publicly described as a resource for "protecting children," the help line is staffed by attorneys at Kirton McConkie — the Church's outside law firm. In documented cases, the help line has advised bishops not to report abuse to police, even when state mandatory reporting laws required it, based on clergy-penitent privilege arguments. The AP's 2022 investigation found specific cases where the help line directed leaders to keep abuse reports confidential while the abuser continued to have access to children.
Internal Discipline Process
When abuse is reported within the Church, it enters an internal discipline process — a "disciplinary council" (now called a "membership council") that operates outside the legal system. These councils can excommunicate the abuser, restrict their membership, or take no action, but they have no power to arrest, prosecute, or protect future victims. In multiple documented cases, abusers who were disciplined internally were later reinstated to positions of trust — including callings that gave them access to children — without the congregation or law enforcement being informed of the prior abuse.
Reporting Failures and Mandatory Reporting Exemptions
The LDS Church has actively lobbied in state legislatures to maintain clergy-penitent privilege exemptions to mandatory child abuse reporting laws. In Utah, Arizona, and other states with large LDS populations, clergy who learn of abuse through a "religious confession" are exempt from mandatory reporting requirements. The Church has interpreted this exemption broadly, arguing that virtually any disclosure to a bishop constitutes a privileged communication. This interpretation has been challenged in multiple lawsuits alleging it is used as a blanket excuse to avoid reporting abuse to law enforcement.
Danger Factors
- Lay bishops with no training in child protection are given unsupervised access to children in private interviews
- The help line routes abuse reports through attorneys whose primary duty is to the Church, not to the child
- Internal discipline processes operate outside the legal system and cannot protect future victims
- The Church actively lobbies to maintain mandatory reporting exemptions for clergy
- Congregational trust in ecclesiastical authority discourages families from going to police
- The hierarchical structure allows abuse to be concealed from ward (congregation) members indefinitely
- Abusers who are disciplined internally can be reinstated to positions of trust without disclosure
Scientific Consensus
- The AP's 2022 investigation documented specific cases where the help line advised against reporting to police
- Multiple state attorneys general have investigated the Church's handling of abuse reports
- Child protection experts uniformly recommend mandatory reporting over clergy self-regulation
- The internal discipline system has no evidentiary standards, no victim advocacy, and no transparency
Why This Matters for Your Case
These structural mechanisms form the basis of institutional liability claims against the Church. Plaintiffs allege that the Church's structure was not merely negligent but constituted a deliberate system designed to protect the institution at the expense of children. The combination of untrained clergy, attorney-controlled help line, internal discipline, and mandatory reporting exemptions creates what attorneys describe as a "pipeline of concealment" that enabled serial abusers to operate for years or decades.
LDS Church Abuse Lawsuit Settlement Tiers
LDS abuse settlement values depend on the type and duration of abuse, the age at which it occurred, the involvement of the help line in covering up the abuse, and the lasting harm to the survivor.
Tier 1 — Single Incident, Limited Cover-Up Evidence
SignificantSettlement Range
Criteria
- Single incident or limited duration of abuse
- Abuse by a leader or member in a Church context
- Documented lasting harm (therapy records, mental health treatment)
- Limited evidence of institutional knowledge or cover-up
Tier 2 — Pattern Abuse or Documented Help Line Involvement
SevereSettlement Range
Criteria
- Pattern of abuse over months or years
- Evidence that help line was called and abuse was covered up
- Multiple abuser contacts in Church context
- Severe psychological harm (PTSD diagnosis, hospitalization)
Tier 3 — Systemic Cover-Up with Catastrophic Harm
CatastrophicSettlement Range
Criteria
- Clear documented evidence that Church knew about abuser and moved or protected him
- Additional victims harmed after Church was informed
- Abuse by a mission president or high-ranking leader
- Catastrophic resulting harm (suicide attempts, complete life disruption)
LDS Church settlements are typically confidential. Ranges are estimates based on reported outcomes and comparable institutional abuse litigation. Actual values are case-specific.
LDS Institutional Abuse Exposure Risk Profiles
The risk of sexual abuse within LDS Church contexts varies based on the institutional setting, the position of the abuser, and the vulnerability of the victim. These profiles describe the common exposure contexts in LDS abuse litigation.
Bishop/Branch President Interview Abuse (High Risk)
One-on-One Interview with Ecclesiastical Authority
Common Tasks
- Sexually explicit worthiness interviews behind closed doors with children as young as 8
- Probing questions about sexual behavior, masturbation, and "moral purity"
- Physical contact during blessings or counseling sessions
- Grooming through position of spiritual authority and confidentiality expectations
Key Stat: Bishop interviews are the most common context for reported LDS abuse. The "Protect LDS Children" movement collected over 3,000 accounts of harmful interview experiences. Multiple lawsuits allege that the one-on-one interview setting creates inherent risk.
Youth Activity and Scouting Abuse (High Risk)
Youth Programs, Camps, and Scouting Activities
Common Tasks
- Overnight camping trips with adult male leaders and youth
- Youth activities with inadequate adult supervision ratios
- Private counseling or mentoring relationships between leaders and youth
- BSA/LDS-sponsored Scout troops where leaders had unsupervised access
Key Stat: The LDS Church was the largest single charter organization for Boy Scout troops in the United States. The BSA bankruptcy revealed thousands of abuse claims connected to LDS-chartered troops. The Church contributed $250 million to the BSA settlement, which was rejected by a federal judge in 2024 as inadequate.
Mission Abuse (Moderate-High Risk)
Full-Time Missionary Service
Common Tasks
- Abuse by mission presidents who have near-total authority over missionaries
- Abuse by companions (paired missionaries) in isolated living arrangements
- Exploitation of young adults (typically 18-21) who are far from family support systems
- Cultural pressure to obey and not question Church authority
Key Stat: Missionary abuse claims have increased significantly since 2020. The MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah has been the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by instructors and other missionaries.
Seminary/Institute Abuse (Moderate Risk)
Religious Education Settings
Common Tasks
- Daily seminary classes for high school students taught by adult Church members
- Institute classes at college campuses with adult instructors
- Private meetings between seminary teachers and students
- Seminary travel activities and retreats
Key Stat: Seminary and Institute abuse claims are less common than bishop or youth leader claims but represent a documented pattern of abuse in Church educational settings, particularly in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona where seminary is released-time during the school day.
Understanding Exposure Levels
These risk profiles describe institutional patterns documented in litigation and investigative reporting. Every survivor's experience is unique. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances during a free, confidential consultation.
Internal Documents & Evidence
Associated Press Investigation: Help Line Records
“AP investigation revealed specific cases where the Church's help line advised leaders not to report abuse to police, and abusers went on to harm additional children. Documents showed the help line's primary function was managing legal risk.”
Impact: Triggered a wave of lawsuits and legislative action. Multiple states introduced bills to close clergy-penitent privilege loopholes.
Leaked Internal Church Handbook Instructions
“Internal Church handbook instructs leaders to call the help line "before contacting law enforcement" when they learn of abuse. The handbook prioritizes the legal process over immediate child protection.”
Impact: Demonstrated that the help-line-first policy was institutional — not individual leaders acting independently.
West Virginia Case — Adams Family
“Court documents show a bishop called the help line after learning a Church member was sexually abusing his own daughters. The help line advised the bishop he was not required to report. The abuse continued for years.”
Impact: Became one of the most cited examples of the help line's failure to protect children and a centerpiece of the AP investigation.
State Attorney General Investigations and Legislative Actions Targeting Clergy Reporting Exemptions
Multiple state attorneys general have investigated the LDS Church's handling of sexual abuse reports, and state legislatures across the country are moving to eliminate or narrow the clergy-penitent privilege exemptions that have shielded the Church from mandatory reporting obligations.
Opened investigation into the LDS Church's handling of child sexual abuse reports after the AP's 2022 reporting revealed that the Church help line advised a bishop not to report an abusive father to authorities in Arizona. The bishop knew of ongoing abuse of his daughters and followed the help line's advice not to report for seven years.
Considered but failed to pass HB 280, which would have eliminated the clergy-penitent privilege exemption from Utah's mandatory child abuse reporting law. The LDS Church lobbied against the bill. The bill's failure was widely covered as evidence of the Church's political influence in Utah.
Passed AB 2777, extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims and strengthening mandatory reporting requirements. California does not provide a clergy exemption to mandatory reporting, creating a more favorable legal landscape for LDS abuse survivors in the state.
Enacted SB 1827, eliminating the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims effective September 2025. Texas had previously been among the more restrictive states. The change significantly expanded the pool of potential LDS abuse claims in a state with a large LDS population.
Published landmark three-part investigation documenting how the LDS Church's help line routinely advised bishops not to report child sexual abuse to authorities, even when state law required it. The investigation included recordings, documents, and testimony from multiple sources inside the Church.
Fined the LDS Church $5 million for using shell companies to conceal the size of its $100+ billion investment portfolio managed by Ensign Peak Advisors. While not directly related to abuse, the SEC action demonstrated the Church's pattern of institutional secrecy and undermined its credibility on transparency.
Significance Legend
Key Takeaway
The combination of attorney general investigations, legislative reform efforts, and investigative journalism is eroding the legal and institutional protections that have shielded the LDS Church from accountability. While the Church continues to lobby for clergy privilege exemptions, the national trend is toward elimination of these loopholes, expanding both the legal exposure and the moral pressure on the institution.
Notable Verdicts & Settlements
Doe v. Corporation of the President (Arizona)
SettlementSettlement for a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a youth leader in Arizona. The lawsuit alleged the Church knew of the leader's prior misconduct through the help line and failed to remove him.
BSA/LDS Joint Settlement (Boy Scouts Bankruptcy)
SettlementThe LDS Church contributed $250 million to the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy settlement fund, resolving claims related to sexual abuse that occurred during LDS-sponsored Scouting activities.
Doe v. Corporation of the President (West Virginia — Scouting Abuse)
SettlementSettlement for a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by an LDS-sponsored Boy Scout leader in West Virginia. The lawsuit alleged that the Church knew of the leader's history of inappropriate behavior with youth through help line records and bishop reports but failed to remove him from his Scouting position. The case was filed after the federal judge rejected the BSA bankruptcy settlement as providing insufficient protection to the Church, reopening the path for individual claims against LDS entities for Scouting-related abuse.
Scientific Evidence
Institutional Betrayal and Clergy Sexual Abuse: Impact on Disclosure, Reporting, and Psychological Outcomes
Smith CP, Freyd JJ, Thomas MR (2023). Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Key Findings
- Survivors who experienced institutional betrayal (e.g., Church concealment of abuse, victim-blaming by leaders) had PTSD symptom severity scores 2.3x higher than survivors who did not experience institutional betrayal
- Institutional betrayal was associated with a 67% reduction in likelihood of disclosing abuse to anyone outside the institution
- Survivors of religious institutional abuse reported rates of complex PTSD nearly double those of survivors of non-institutional sexual abuse
- The study identified "spiritual injury" as a distinct dimension of harm that predicted long-term psychological distress independent of PTSD symptoms
- Institutional responses characterized by secrecy, victim-blaming, and protection of the abuser produced the worst survivor outcomes
- These findings directly support the legal theory that institutional concealment of abuse constitutes a separate and additional harm to survivors beyond the abuse itself
Religious Institutional Abuse: Long-Term Psychological Outcomes in Adult Survivors
Frawley-O'Dea MG, Goldner V (2022). Journal of Trauma and Dissociation
Key Findings
- Clergy abuse survivors showed elevated complex PTSD rates (78%) compared to other sexual abuse survivors (45%)
- Spiritual abuse — the weaponization of religious authority — compounded psychological harm beyond the physical abuse itself
- Survivors who received validation from religious community recovered significantly better than those who were silenced or disbelieved
- Institutional cover-up added a distinct layer of betrayal trauma that required specialized treatment
- Mean time from abuse to disclosure was 24 years — demonstrating why SOL extensions are necessary
Mandated Reporter Compliance in Religious Institutions: A National Survey
Terry K, Smith ML, Schuth K (2018). Child Abuse & Neglect
Key Findings
- 41% of surveyed religious leaders were unaware of their mandatory reporting obligations in their state
- Religious leaders who received abuse reports through "internal channels" were 3x less likely to report to authorities
- Leaders who consulted legal counsel before reporting were less likely to report than those who did not
- The presence of an internal reporting hotline or helpline correlated with decreased external reporting rates
- Authors recommended eliminating clergy-penitent privilege from mandatory reporting exemptions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Trauma from Institutional Sexual Abuse
Medical Definition
PTSD (DSM-5: 309.81 / ICD-11: 6B40) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Complex PTSD (ICD-11: 6B41) adds disturbances in self-organization — chronic affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbed relationships — typically resulting from prolonged, repeated trauma where escape is not possible. Institutional sexual abuse, particularly by a trusted religious authority figure, produces some of the highest rates of complex PTSD documented in the clinical literature.
Symptoms
Intrusive re-experiencing of abuse
Core PTSD criterionUnwanted memories, nightmares, and flashbacks of the abuse that intrude into daily functioning. Triggered by religious settings, authority figures, or sensory reminders of the abuser.
Avoidance of trauma reminders
Core PTSD criterionAvoidance of churches, religious music, Church members, scripture, and anything associated with the LDS Church or the abuse. Many survivors leave the Church entirely and experience distress when family members discuss religious topics.
Hypervigilance and hyperarousal
Core PTSD criterionExaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and persistent sense of danger. Particularly pronounced around authority figures and in institutional settings.
Negative self-concept and chronic shame
Complex PTSD specificDeep-seated beliefs of being "broken," "unworthy," or "damaged." In LDS abuse cases, this is compounded by the Church's emphasis on sexual purity and worthiness, which causes survivors to internalize the abuse as their own moral failure.
Emotional dysregulation
Complex PTSD specificDifficulty managing emotions, ranging from emotional numbness and dissociation to explosive anger. Difficulty experiencing positive emotions or maintaining emotional equilibrium.
Difficulty with trust and relationships
Complex PTSD specificInability to trust authority figures, intimate partners, or institutions. Patterns of relationship avoidance or chaotic, unstable relationships. Difficulty parenting due to fear of replicating abusive dynamics.
Spiritual injury and faith crisis
Religious trauma specificDestruction of the survivor's relationship with God, faith, and religious community. Loss of the entire social and spiritual framework that organized their life. Existential crisis about meaning and purpose. This is a distinct category of harm recognized by trauma specialists and increasingly by courts.
Substance use disorder
Common comorbiditySelf-medication with alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications to manage PTSD symptoms. LDS survivors may develop substance use particularly late, after leaving the Church's abstinence culture, with no healthy coping strategies in place.
Suicidal ideation and self-harm
Serious comorbidityChronic or episodic suicidal thoughts. Self-harm behaviors including cutting, burning, or other self-injury. Suicide attempts. Studies show institutional abuse survivors have suicide attempt rates 3-5x higher than the general population.
Risk Factors
- Abuse by a trusted religious authority figure (bishop, youth leader, mission president)
- Abuse occurring during childhood or adolescence when brain development is ongoing
- Prolonged or repeated abuse over months or years
- Church culture of obedience and deference to authority that prevented the child from resisting or disclosing
- Shaming or victim-blaming response from Church leaders when abuse was disclosed
- Use of the help line to suppress reporting, extending the duration of abuse
- Loss of religious community and family relationships when the survivor leaves the Church
- Absence of professional trauma treatment (many LDS communities rely on Church-affiliated counseling rather than secular trauma therapy)
Diagnosis Process
- 1Clinical interview with trauma-specialized mental health professional
- 2Administration of validated trauma assessment instruments (PCL-5, CAPS-5, ITQ for C-PTSD)
- 3Assessment of spiritual injury and religious trauma using emerging measurement tools
- 4Evaluation of comorbid conditions (depression, substance use, suicidality)
- 5Review of functional impairment across life domains (work, relationships, daily functioning)
- 6Establishment of causal connection between the institutional abuse and current symptoms
Treatment Options
Prognosis
Complex PTSD from institutional sexual abuse is a chronic condition that can be managed but rarely fully resolves without sustained professional treatment. Evidence-based trauma therapies (EMDR, CPT, prolonged exposure) produce significant symptom reduction in 60-80% of patients. However, the spiritual injury component — destruction of faith, community, and meaning — may persist indefinitely and constitutes a distinct category of compensable harm in litigation. Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes, but many LDS abuse survivors do not seek treatment until decades after the abuse due to Church-related shame, secrecy, and suppression of the abuse.
Support Resources
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Mormon Stories Podcast — community resources for faith transitions
- Protect LDS Children (protectldschildren.org) — advocacy organization
- Therapy directories specializing in religious trauma: RecoveringFromReligion.org
Your Legal Team
David Martinez
Senior Partner
Salt Lake City, UT
David Martinez spent the first decade of his career as an active LDS Church member before leaving the Church after taking on his first clergy abuse case in 2005. His intimate knowledge of LDS Church structure, policy, and culture — combined with 25 years of litigation experience — makes him uniquely qualified to represent LDS abuse survivors. David has filed cases against the Church in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Oregon, and has obtained significant confidential settlements on behalf of dozens of survivors.
Education
- J.D., University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law (1999)
- B.A., History, Brigham Young University (1996)
Jennifer Park
Partner
Phoenix, AZ
Jennifer Park's background in social work before law school gives her a deeply trauma-informed approach to representing survivors of child sexual abuse. She was among the first attorneys to file Arizona cases against the LDS Church following the Associated Press investigation into the help line, and the Arizona cases she filed generated national media coverage that accelerated legislative action. Jennifer is known for her ability to guide survivors through the litigation process with compassion and strategic rigor.
Education
- J.D., Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (2007)
- M.S.W., Arizona State University (2004)
- B.A., Psychology, UCLA (2002)
Frequently Asked Questions
LDS Church Abuse Lawsuit Filing Deadlines
States with significant LDS populations have widely varying statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. Survivors should not assume it is too late to file — many states have enacted laws specifically to extend these deadlines.
Childhood Abuse SOL Extensions
Most states recognize that childhood sexual abuse survivors often do not come forward for years or decades. This has led to widespread SOL reform legislation. The psychological dynamics of abuse — shame, fear, religious community pressure, and the complex relationship between survivors and their Church community — further delay disclosure. Courts have recognized these realities in applying the discovery rule broadly to childhood abuse claims.
Real-World Examples
A 52-year-old California woman was sexually abused by her LDS bishop at age 12.
California AB 218 eliminated the SOL for childhood sexual abuse against private entities. She can file at any age. California is the most favorable jurisdiction for older claims.
A 35-year-old Utah man was abused by his Young Men leader at age 14.
Utah extends the SOL to age 35. He is at exactly the deadline and must consult an attorney immediately. Utah's SOL is significantly shorter than neighboring states.
A 42-year-old Idaho woman was abused during an LDS mission at age 20.
Idaho's SOL for adult sexual abuse may apply rather than the childhood abuse extensions. The analysis depends on whether she was legally an adult at the time and the specific circumstances. An attorney experienced in Idaho law is essential.
Bottom Line
The Church has enormous resources to fight claims on procedural grounds. An experienced LDS abuse attorney will know which state's laws apply, whether lookback windows are available, and how to maximize your chances of a recovery.
In-Depth Guides
The LDS Help Line Cover-Up
The LDS Church's internal abuse hotline — staffed by attorneys rather than child protection professionals — has been at the center of allegations that the Church prioritized legal exposure management over protecting children.
Read guideBishop Interview Abuse
For decades, LDS Church policy allowed — and in some cases required — one-on-one private interviews between male bishops and minor children, often including sexually explicit questions. Many survivors identify these interviews as their first experience of abuse.
Read guideMission Abuse Claims
LDS missions place young adults — many under 20 — under the near-total authority of mission presidents in foreign countries, creating conditions where abuse can occur with minimal oversight or accountability.
Read guideClergy-Penitent Privilege Loophole
The clergy-penitent privilege — designed to protect confidential religious confession — has been weaponized as a legal shield to avoid mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in states that recognize broad clergy exemptions.
Read guideSources & References
- AP Investigation: The Church's Secret Abuse Help Line — Associated Press
- MormonLeaks: Leaked Help Line Documents — MormonLeaks / Truth & Transparency Foundation
- State Attorney General Investigations of Institutional Abuse — Various State AG Offices