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ldsabuse.org

LDS Church Abuse

LDS Church abuse refers to instances of sexual, physical, emotional, or spiritual abuse involving members or leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Common Allegations Include:

  • Clergy or leadership misconduct involving children, teens, or vulnerable adults.

  • Failure to report abuse to law enforcement, or alleged cover-ups by church leadership.

  • Use of confidential helplines that critics claim protect the institution instead of victims.

  • Spiritual manipulation, where religious authority is misused to silence or shame individuals.

Legal Action & Media Coverage:

In recent years, survivors have come forward through lawsuits and public testimony. Investigative reports have exposed troubling patterns in how abuse claims are handled—prompting widespread concern, legal scrutiny, and demands for reform.

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify if:

  • You were abused by a member of the LDS Church

  • The abuse occurred in California, Oregon, or Washington

  • You are currently under 40 years old

  • The abuse happened:

    • At an LDS Church building

    • At an LDS-sponsored event, mission, or trip

    • Or at a church-related activity (such as a social gathering or outing), and the abuser held a leadership role within the Church at the time

AND

  • The abuse involved inappropriate skin-to-skin contact, such as:

    • Touching of private areas (e.g., genitals, breasts, buttocks)

    • Oral, anal, or digital penetration

Note: These cases are time-sensitive. The law may offer you a limited window to act.

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If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to pursue legal action. Submit the form below to connect with a legal advocate. All submissions are confidential and reviewed by professionals who understand the sensitivity of your experience.

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Survivors of abuse deserve to be heard and supported. You may have the right to file a lawsuit against the LDS Church, even if the abuse happened years ago. Recent legal changes in some states have extended the time victims have to come forward.

  • You can act confidentially. Your identity does not need to be made public.

  • You may be entitled to compensation for emotional, physical, and psychological harm.

  • There is no cost to speak with someone — and you are never obligated to take legal action by submitting a form.

  • Tier I and Tier II cases may receive priority, depending on the specifics of your experience.

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