Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Understanding LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

The Mormon Church, which is officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), has faced hundreds of lawsuits involving child sexual abuse at the hands of leaders, members, and volunteers.

The Church has been accused of directing religious leaders to manage abuse claims internally instead of reporting them to law enforcement, shielding the organization from accountability rather than protecting victims.

LDS church sexual abuse lawsuits allege:

• A "help line" was used to route abuse allegations to the Church's law firm instead of the police
• Church officials allowed suspected abusers to remain in the community
• Survivors were often silenced or pressured to forgive their abuser
• The institution's reputation was placed above child safety and well-being

"They were aware of it but they just kept covering up and never did anything about it."
– Tom S., Mormon Church Abuse Survivor

Some survivors are now filing civil sexual abuse lawsuits to hold the organization accountable. So far, billions of dollars have been paid out to survivors of Mormon Church sexual abuse across the country.

If you or someone you love suffered sexual abuse in the Mormon Church, we may be able to help you get closure and accountability.

Mormon Church Sex Abuse Settlements & Verdicts

Billions of dollars have been awarded to survivors of sexual abuse within the Mormon Church. This compensation can help cover the cost of therapy and medical care while also sending a powerful message that abuse is never okay.

Mormon Church sexual abuse settlements and verdicts include:

• $2.28 Billion to a woman abused by her stepfather at home and at church functions between the ages of 5 and 14. Church officials had allegedly been told about the abuse but failed to report it and pressured her to keep it secret.
• $4.2 Million for two sisters in Washington who were sexually abused by their stepfather in the 1990s. One sister allegedly reported the abuse to a bishop, but he failed to alert the authorities.
• $4 Million to a boy abused by Robert Blome, a former LDS Church member. Blome, later sentenced to 15 years in prison, was accused of abusing multiple boys while Church leaders allegedly ignored warnings about his behavior.
• $3 Million in Mormon abuse settlements to an Oregon man who claimed the Church covered up sexual abuse that occurred when he was 11.

In one case, the LDS Church offered $250 Million toward a Boy Scouts of America settlement for sexual abuse, as they had sponsored hundreds of troops. A judge rejected the deal, which would have shielded the Church from LDS abuse claims.

"They’re being called to account. They’re having to take responsibility for their actions."
– Judy Larson, Board Member, Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

While every case is different and there’s no guarantee of results, our Mormon sexual abuse lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.

Mormon Church Abuse Statistics

The true scope of sexual abuse within the Mormon Church is still unknown. Survivors continue to come forward, but decades of secrecy and internal handling have made the full extent of harm unclear.

Over 100 new Mormon sex abuse lawsuits have been filed in 2025 alone. The LDS Church has also been named in lawsuits related to the Boy Scouts of America sex abuse crisis, which involves more than 80,000 claims.

These numbers show that abuse isn't isolated or rare. Church officials have released little data on their own, leaving independent investigations, lawsuits, and survivor accounts to fill in the gaps.

 “We just don’t understand why they’re paying all these lawyers to fight this. Just change the policy."
– Matthew W., Parent of a Mormon Church Abuse Survivor

Our sexual abuse lawyers believe all survivors deserve to be heard and supported. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.

How the Church Handles Mormon Sexual Abuse

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has systematically mishandled reports of sexual abuse, often prioritizing legal protection for the organization over the safety of victims, according to an investigative report by the Associated Press.

When bishops learn of abuse, they're instructed to call a confidential Mormon abuse hotline operated by the Church’s law firm, not law enforcement. The Church is also accused of using "clergy-penitent privilege" to keep abuse secret.

In one case, Arizona church member Paul Adams raped his daughters for years. The Church was made aware through the hotline, but never contacted police. Adams continued the abuse and posted videos of it until authorities discovered the crimes.

“They just let it keep happening. They just said, ‘Hey, let’s excommunicate her father.’ It didn’t stop. ‘Let’s have them do therapy.’ It didn’t stop. ‘Hey, let’s forgive and forget, and all this will go away.’ It didn’t go away.”
– MJ, Adams' Daughter & Mormon Church Abuse Survivor

In July 2025, an Arizona appeals court ruled that a civil lawsuit against the LDS Church over this case can proceed, finding that Adams' admissions may not have been protected by clergy-penitent privilege.

The judges cited a passage from the Church’s handbook, which states that bishops should disclose confidential information when “necessary to prevent life-threatening harm or serious injury.” This ruling challenges the Church’s long-standing defense for keeping abuse reports secret.

Power and Control Enabled Sex Abuse in the Mormon Church

Reports of sexual abuse within the Mormon Church describe a range of deeply traumatic experiences, often involving a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and ongoing harm.

Alleged perpetrators include bishops, home teachers, and other church-affiliated adults who used their power to gain access to children and teens. Survivors often report that the abuse escalated over time and was enabled by a culture of silence.

Improper behavior reported in Mormon sexual abuse cases includes:

• Grooming and psychological manipulation
• Oral, anal, and vaginal rape
• Sexual touching or groping

These experiences often left survivors confused, afraid, and ashamed, especially in a religious environment where obedience and forgiveness were emphasized over justice and protection.

Where Does Mormon Church Sex Abuse Occur?

Sexual abuse within the Mormon Church has been reported across the country and isn't limited to one location or area. Abuse often took place in environments that allowed abusers to be alone with children under the guise of religious instruction or spiritual care.

Sexual abuse in the Mormon Church has occurred in:

• Church buildings
• Private homes
• Vehicles
• Youth camps

Investigations have identified abuse in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Utah, and West Virginia.

In a high-profile West Virginia case, the LDS Church was accused of failing to warn about Michael Jensen, a member suspected of sexual abuse. Church leaders allegedly promoted his babysitting services and arranged for him to live with families who had young children.

Jensen was later sentenced to 35-75 years in prison, followed by 450 years of probation, and was required to register as a sex offender. Nine children and their families received a Mormon Church sex abuse settlement after coming forward.

Mormon Sexual Abuse in California

The Mormon Church is currently facing over 100 sexual abuse claims across the state of California. These cases involve grooming and abuse by church leaders, with incidents dating back to the 1960s.

An LDS Church sexual abuse settlement is currently in the works for California survivors and their families, though the final amount has not been disclosed.

Steps to Filing a Mormon Church Abuse Lawsuit

At Sokolove Law, we know how difficult it can be to speak out after experiencing sexual abuse, especially when it involves a religious community. This wasn't your fault, and we're here to support you.

Our goal is to handle the entire legal process for you, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Our Mormon sexual abuse lawyers can:

• Provide a free case review to help you understand your legal options
• Collect evidence like Church documents, medical records, and eyewitness testimony
• File your lawsuit against the abuser, the Mormon Church, and any parties who enabled the abuse
• Negotiate a Mormon abuse settlement with those responsible
• Take your case to trial if necessary and fight for the justice you deserve

We’re committed to standing with survivors and making the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team is here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and guide you every step of the way.

Deadlines on LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Each state has laws called statutes of limitations that limit how long you have to file a Mormon sex abuse lawsuit. These deadlines vary depending on where the abuse occurred, your age at the time, and other factors.

It’s never too late to make your voice heard. We can help you understand your legal options without any pressure or obligation.

Get Help from a Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawyer

For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has stood up for survivors and helped them access the justice they deserve.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse within the Mormon Church, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Our dedicated team is here to support you, listen to your story, and help you understand your legal options.

We’re committed to holding powerful institutions accountable, and we’ve recovered more than $10 Billion total on behalf of those harmed through no fault of their own.

Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form. Coming forward takes courage, but you don’t have to face the road ahead alone.

LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQs