Mormon Church Sexual Abuse

Nearly $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors

Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Attorneys That Provide Emotional & Legal Support

Sexual abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church, has led to mounting legal action, public scrutiny, and a growing number of survivors stepping forward. Survivors have reported abuse by bishops, missionaries, youth leaders, and other individuals in positions of trust. At Kayla’s Survivors, we are committed to helping those harmed by institutional failure find justice.

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse as a result of members of the Mormon Church, you may be eligible to recover compensation. The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors have helped survivors recover over $1 billion in compensation as a result of settlements and verdicts. Call or request a free case evaluation online to get started and better understand your legal options.

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Who Are the Sexual Perpetrators From the Mormon Church?

Sexual perpetrators affiliated with the Mormon Church have included bishops, missionaries, home teachers, and even family members shielded by religious authority. Several high-profile cases include:

• Warren Jeffs – Leader of the Fundamentalist LDS Church, convicted for sexually assaulting minors he claimed as “spiritual wives.”
• Timothy McCleve – A bishop convicted in 2008 for molesting young girls.
• Lon Kennard Sr. – A former bishop sentenced for abusing multiple adopted children.
• Joseph Bishop – Accused by a former missionary of rape in a Missionary Training Center; the case was dismissed due to limitations but sparked nationwide outrage.

Many of these perpetrators exploited their authority, and internal church processes often failed to report them to law enforcement.

Current Investigations Against The Mormon Church

In recent years, state-level lookback laws have opened the door for hundreds of lawsuits against the LDS Church. In California alone, nearly 100 civil claims were filed in 2023 and 2024, many involving abuse dating back decades. Allegations suggest that bishops and other officials were aware of abuse but failed to act or actively covered it up.

Several states are considering Multi-District Litigation (MDL) to consolidate claims involving church-wide negligence, including cases with overlapping patterns of abuse and silence.

Notable Settlements Against The Mormon Church

The LDS Church has paid millions to resolve sex abuse lawsuits, including:

• Jeremiah Scott Case (2001) – $3 million settlement after church knowingly placed a known abuser in a leadership role.
• Riverside County Case (2023) – $2.28 billion jury verdict against an abuser; the LDS Church settled separately for $1 million.
• Christopher Michael Jensen Case – $32 million awarded to multiple victims abused in Utah and West Virginia. The Church later lost a lawsuit against its insurer after trying to offload liability.
• Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Bankruptcy Trust (2021) – LDS Church pledged $250 million for its share of BSA-related abuse claims, as it was the organization’s largest chartering entity.

Note: Based on publicly available data, the average settlement for clergy abuse is approximately $268,466 (per survivor). However, it’s important to understand that each case is unique, and payouts will vary based on many factors.

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Recoverable Compensation From Mormon Church Sex Abuse

Survivors may be entitled to substantial compensation for sexual abuse, including:

• Economic Damages – Therapy, medical care, lost wages, and career disruption.
• Non-Economic Damages – Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and loss of quality of life.
• Punitive Damages – In cases where the church acted with gross negligence or attempted cover-ups.

Every case is unique. The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors will evaluate how church leadership, policies, and decisions contributed to the abuse and advocate aggressively for compensation.

Mormon Church Sex Abuse Statistics

While the LDS Church has not released comprehensive data on sexual abuse, the following trends are clear:

• Dozens of bishops, teachers, and youth leaders have been convicted over the last two decades.
• More than 90 lawsuits were filed in California alone in the past year.
• Settlements and awards exceed $300 million, not including pending claims.
• In the BSA scandal, thousands of victims involved in church-affiliated scout programs named LDS leaders in their abuse disclosures.

These numbers reflect a pattern of systemic failure that often left victims without support or justice.

Get Help From The Attorneys At Kayla’s Survivors

At Kayla’s Survivors, we understand how deeply damaging institutional betrayal can be. Our team has helped survivors hold religious and community institutions accountable. We offer:

• Confidential consultations
• Trauma-informed legal support
• No-cost representation unless we win your case

You deserve justice, closure, and a voice. If you or a loved one suffered abuse in a Mormon Church setting, learn more about your legal options by requesting a free case evaluation online – 100% confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the LDS Church responded to the child sex abuse allegations?

The LDS Church has implemented reforms like mandatory reporting protocols, a 24/7 abuse hotline, and background checks for youth leaders. However, critics argue these changes came too late and that the church continues to use internal systems to minimize legal exposure.

Is the Mormon Church related to the Boy Scouts of America sex abuse scandal?

Yes. The LDS Church was the largest chartering organization in the Boy Scouts and was linked to thousands of abuse claims. It contributed $250 million to the BSA bankruptcy trust but did not receive immunity from future lawsuits.

Can I file a lawsuit if I was sexually abused while at the LDS Mormon Church?

Yes. If the abuse involved clergy, youth programs, or other church-affiliated settings, you may have a valid claim. Lawsuits can pursue damages for the abuse itself and the church’s role in allowing it to happen.

How long do I have to file an abuse claim against the Mormon Church?

The deadline depends on your state. Some states like California have passed lookback windows allowing older claims. Others follow discovery rules or extended statue of limitations for child victims. Contact our legal team to determine your eligibility.