Church is supposed to be a safe haven, a place where you can go for guidance and spiritual support. However, that isn’t the case with the Church of Latter Day Saints, or LDS. In recent years, many stories of sexual abuse have come forward. At Anapol Weiss, we understand how much courage it takes to speak out about what you experienced. We also understand that you likely have questions about what kind of evidence you need in order to file a claim against an institution like the Church of Latter Day Saints.
This guide explores this topic further, so you can feel confident that you have what you need to move forward. Remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re here to help you collect this evidence so you can move forward in your healing journey and send a message to the Church of Latter Day Saints that the abuse stops now.
Important Evidence in a LDS Church Abuse Lawsuit
Personal Testimony
Your own account of what happened lays the foundation of your LDS church abuse claim. Whether you have years of journal entries or are planning on documenting the abuse now, writing down everything you remember is critical.
Be as detailed as possible. Include names of everyone who was involved, whether they were the perpetrator, an accomplice, or a witness, as well as their role within the church. Be sure to also include specific dates, times, locations, and any verbal or physical threats made to you if you attempted to speak out. Don’t forget to also include the impact the abuse had on you, including physical and emotional tolls.
Medical Records
Medical records, including mental health records, documenting the abuse and related side effects are incredibly powerful pieces of evidence. Mental health records document the onset and ongoing treatment of conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression, as well as their impact on your daily life. Likewise, medical records, such as a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) that collected evidence of abuse can be critical in supporting your claims and establishing a timeline.
Witness Statements
In addition to your own testimony, witness statements are also a critical piece of evidence that can support your claims of church sexual abuse. Is there someone who can corroborate your recollection? Did someone witness the abuse or know about it? If so, get their contact information and witness statement, as this can add additional credibility to your claim. This piece of evidence is critical to holding your abusers accountable for their egregious actions.
This also includes other survivors. If you know of other church members who were abused, you can always ask if they feel comfortable being used as a witness, as well.
Church Records
The Church of Latter Day Saints has done everything in its power to silence victims, making church records a vital piece of evidence in your sexual abuse claim. In fact, according to an investigative report by Vice News, the church’s supposed 24-hour hotline has been used to provide the church with details about reported sexual abuse instead of transferring them to the police for further investigation. This kind of egregious behavior helps hide valid abuse claims from the public.
While church records will likely be difficult to obtain on your own, our firm can subpoena the church for their records, which may show signs that they tried to cover up the abuse.
Documentation of the Church’s Influence and Hierarchy
Church records can be valuable, but they aren’t the only information that matters. It’s also important to document how the church operates. Writing down what you know about its structure and leadership roles can help establish the chain of command, and in turn, who may have been responsible for ignoring or concealing the abuse.
Why Hiring an Experienced Attorney Matters in Church Sexual Abuse Cases
Gathering this evidence alone can feel overwhelming and in many cases, impossible, considering the many resources the church uses to protect itself. Hiring an attorney takes the responsibility off your shoulders and in turn, lets you focus on your own healing journey.
At Anapol Weiss, we aren’t afraid to go up against institutions no matter their size. In fact, we have a history of going up against large organizations who hid institutional sexual abuse and made the egregious choice to silence their victims even more. That doesn’t stand at Anapol Weiss.
We are here to subpoena church records, locate witnesses, work with experienced and compassionate medical and psychological experts to corroborate your claim and pursue the justice you are so deeply owed. Most of all, we’re here to protect you from retaliation and common intimidation tactics the church has relied upon for far too long.
Moving Forward with Strength
Coming forward after abuse takes immense strength and courage. While nothing can undue the past, speaking out can hold the perpetrators and enablers within the church accountable, sparking meaningful change within the organization.
No one should feel intimidated, and worse be abused, when simply trying to practice their faith. Let Anapol Weiss help you through this journey with experienced legal guidance and compassion. We can be reached at 215-608-9645 or via our online contact form. The form is confidential, and we assure you that everything you say to us stays with us. We protect your privacy from day one. We encourage you to read our blog, Feeling Heard and Believed: Why Many Women Choose Female Lawyers in Sexual Abuse Lawsuits to learn more about the trauma-informed approach we take to these sensitive cases.
You’re not alone. We’re here to help.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
