Mormon church sexual abuse claims: what are my rights? If you have suffered sexual abuse by a member or leader of the Mormon church, you have several rights designed to give you a voice, receive treatment and compensation, and hold your abuser accountable.
You can report the abuse and take legal action, as well as receive access to a variety of resources to help you during this difficult time.
A compassionate Lansing clergy sexual abuse lawyer is sensitive to the pain that you are going through. They will protect your rights so you do not have to endure further trauma or encounter your abuser during the legal process unless absolutely necessary. They will steadfastly advocate for you and hold the predator accountable for their abuse.
Sexual Abuse in the Mormon Church
Cases of sexual abuse are often covered up within the Mormon church, also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). The church encourages congregants to use the church’s helpline to report abuse and receive care, but the misconduct has too often been covered up or allowed to continue. Victims may not receive the support they need through this avenue.
Some faiths, such as Mormons, are not necessarily included as mandatory reporters by states in order to protect conversations that may be made in confidence, such as confessions.
However, this provides a loophole that can foster an environment of secrecy and suppression that makes it more challenging for victims to report the abuse they have suffered and get the help and care that they need. It also continues to foster the prevalence of clergy sexual abuse within the Mormon church.
Given the trust and leadership endowed to church leaders, such acts of sexual abuse have even more of a profound and long-term impact on survivors throughout their lives. These deeply traumatic acts are compounded by the betrayal of a community that is supposed to be supportive and protective.
By understanding clergy abuse and its devastating effects, organizations and agencies outside the church can be better prepared to care for clergy sexual abuse survivors.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Your Rights when Filing Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Claims
If you have suffered sexual abuse in the Mormon church, you have the right to representation and to take legal action against the perpetrators. A lawyer will fiercely support your rights so your voice is heard and you can get justice.
The conversations you have with your lawyer will be kept confidential, and other privacy measures can be taken as needed for your situation.
First and foremost, you have the right to report the abuse, which is the first step toward bringing your abuser to justice and healing. The national sexual assault hotline ensures that you get the resources and care you need and that the perpetrator’s actions are reported to law enforcement.
You also have victim rights in Michigan, which allows you access to testing and results, forensic examinations, and rights to know the status of your case and if your abuser has been arrested or released.
Pursuing a claim against a sexual abuser in the Mormon church is often very emotional, and the legal process can be triggering. If you are unsure about coming forward but want to seek justice, you may wonder if you can file a sex abuse lawsuit against the Mormon church anonymously.
Filing anonymously and under the use of a pseudonym may be used if certain requirements are met and a judge agrees, but you still must identify yourself before the judge before they make a determination.
Your Rights if Your Case Goes to Trial
It is common to wonder if all church sex abuse cases have to go to trial, and the answer is no-most are settled out of court.
However, if you do have to go to court, allowances may be made so you can attend virtually. This may be a good option if you wish to avoid all interactions with your abuser.
Damages You Can Recover in Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Claims
Sexual abuse by the Mormon church profoundly impacts the lives and futures of individuals who have been victimized. A clergy sexual abuse lawyer strives to ease some of the effects by providing support and securing compensation for your deep losses.
While compensation can never undo the horrible wrong that was committed against you, it can help you get the care, treatment, and resources you need to face the future and begin healing, including:
- Medical expenses
- Counseling services
- Lost income from being unable to work
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
Additionally, in some cases, you may also be able to claim punitive damages. These are used in rare and specific circumstances to provide you with additional compensation for extra losses when another party has acted in a particularly severe and egregious manner.
Punitive damages are also intended to punish the party at fault and prevent them from engaging in such behaviors in the future.
Statute of Limitations for a Sexual Abuse Claim in Michigan
According to MCL – Section 600.5805(6), survivors of clergy sexual abuse by the Mormon church have 10 years to bring forth a claim against their abuser.
Michigan also applies a discovery rule of three years if the survivor doesn’t realize the nature of what was happening to them or its effects until later, as stated in MCL – Section 600.5851b. Additionally, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until the age of 28 to file a sexual abuse claim.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
The Compassionate Team at White Law PLLC Safeguards Your Rights
White Law PLLC understands that filing a sex abuse claim against the Mormon church can be a very difficult and emotional experience, and we are here to protect your rights without causing you any more trauma.
We will speak on your behalf and make sure your voice is heard so you can get the justice you deserve. Learn more about your rights in Mormon church sexual abuse claims when you contact us for a free consultation today.
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