As more cases of systemic sexual abuse at the hands of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to come to light, so too does the handling of its sexual abuse hotline.
Nearly 20 years ago, the Mormon Church established a 24-hour hotline that was seemingly intended to be a helpline for bishops to report suspected abuse. It was a line of hope desperately needed by those who believed they had no other means of support.
What Happened with the LDS’ Hotline for Sexual Abuse Victims?
The Church’s official purpose for establishing the helpline is to advise bishops (who, unlike most other religious organizations’ leaders, are not professional clerics) on how to comply with local laws regarding sexual abuse reports.
And, despite the Church’s website claiming that it maintains a “zero tolerance” policy regarding sexual abuse, its actions towards its hotline are in direct contradiction of that claim.
Court testimony in one case claimed that it is instead used to protect the Church from potential lawsuits that could result in financial losses.
How the Mormon Church Responded to Calls to the Hotline
The Church’s official purpose for establishing the helpline is to advise bishops (who, unlike most other religious organizations’ leaders, are not professional clerics) on how to comply with local laws regarding sexual abuse reports.
And, despite the Church’s website claiming that it maintains a “zero tolerance” policy regarding sexual abuse, its actions towards its hotline are in direct contradiction of that claim.
Court testimony in one case claimed that it is instead used to protect the Church from potential lawsuits that could result in financial losses.
How the Mormon Church Responded to Calls to the Hotline
It’s currently unknown how many hotline calls the Church receives annually because it’s never made that information known publicly. A spokesman for the Mormon Church told one news organization that it “does not share information about the helpline.”
Although the Church officially does not share information, current and former members have.
In 1995, the Kirton McConkie law firm established the Church’s abuse hotline. It currently defends it in lawsuits alleging sexual abuse. While the law firm is not technically a part of the Mormon Church, it has played an essential role in helping it navigate potential lawsuits for decades, providing policy advice and serving as its legislative advocate. The Church is the law firm’s largest client.
However, the law firm’s role extends further. Vice reports that when calls come in, they are answered inside the Church’s Family Services agency and then transferred to Kirton McConkie. This prevents callers from being immediately connected with law enforcement who may then act on the reports.
Ripple Effects from Intentionally Silencing Sexual Abuse Reports
The impacts of the hotline’s ineffectiveness extend well beyond preventing claims from moving forward: it allows the heinous abuse to continue, uninterrupted, and does nothing to aid those who need help the most.
One Arizona lawsuit alleges that the hotline’s ineffectiveness allowed the sexual and physical abuse of three children to go on for years because bishops were instructed not to report the abuse.
Reporting such abuses is mandatory under Arizona law; “clergy-penitent privilege” does not apply in abuse cases. In this case, which involved years of sexual abuse of children—including an infant— the Church had knowledge of the abuse and did not approach authorities to handle the case. Instead, they excommunicated the perpetrator and considered it just punishment.
Don’t Be Silenced: File a Claim Against the Mormon Church and Let Your Voice Be Heard
The staggering number of abuse cases against the Church is heinous—as is the Church’s attempt to shield itself from any legal responsibility.
If you have been intimidated into silence for trying to speak up against systemic abuse or were subjected to sexual abuse at the hands of Church members, we can help you move forward with your case against your abusers.
We understand that it can be incredibly difficult and daunting to file a claim against such a wealthy and organized institution. That’s why we’re here to help you build the strongest case possible and to provide the sound legal representation you need.
Contact us today for your free consultation, and to seek justice against abusers within the Church.
