LDS Sexual Abuse Case Status
- As of 2025, multiple lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exposing longstanding institutional efforts to conceal sexual abuse within church communities.
- Several cases allege that the LDS Church used its internal "help line" to redirect reports of abuse to church lawyers, instead of law enforcement, delaying justice for victims.
- Church leaders and local bishops are under scrutiny for allegedly encouraging silence or withholding cooperation in abuse investigations, particularly in California and Arizona.
- Attorneys are actively pursuing legal claims for survivors facing psychological trauma, spiritual betrayal, and ongoing emotional damage related to childhood abuse in LDS contexts.
2025 LDS Sexual Abuse Legal Updates
March 8, 2025 Update: The LDS Church faces a sweeping lawsuit in California filed by over 30 survivors, alleging the church knowingly covered up decades of child sexual abuse by clergy and lay leaders.
February 2025 Update: Plaintiffs in Arizona reopened legal proceedings involving an abuse ring tied to a church-run program, after court documents revealed internal communications discouraging police involvement.
January 2025 Update: Several whistleblowers came forward claiming that the church's legal department systematically intervened in abuse reports made through its internal help line—prompting federal interest in church policies on mandatory reporting.
October 2024 Update: Independent investigators published a report documenting over 100 cases of abuse across three states involving LDS-affiliated youth programs. The findings were submitted to a federal oversight body for review.
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2023–2024 LDS Sexual Abuse Case Developments
December 2024 Update: An appeals court ruled that the LDS Church could not claim religious exemption in a civil lawsuit involving institutional negligence and emotional distress stemming from abuse cover-ups.
August 2024 Update: In a landmark case, the court allowed sealed records to be unsealed showing internal church memos about known abusers who were reassigned without informing congregations.
May 2023 Update: The Arizona Supreme Court allowed a class action lawsuit to proceed against the LDS Church, involving alleged abuse by a church member who exploited his role as a youth counselor over several years.
LDS Sexual Abuse Settlement Updates
February 2025 Update: In a pivotal moment, a U.S. District Court approved a confidential settlement between the LDS Church and dozens of survivors in a Utah-based class action—believed to total over $250 million in damages.
July 2024 Update: Multiple dioceses and stake centers in California and Idaho settled out of court with victims after evidence surfaced showing failure to report known abusers to law enforcement. Estimated compensation exceeds $80 million.
November 2023 Update: In a high-profile settlement, an Arizona family received $12 million following a court’s finding that the LDS Church’s failure to act enabled prolonged abuse by a trusted church volunteer.
LDS Sexual Abuse MDL
With increasing lawsuits against the LDS Church and related institutions—particularly following public revelations about internal cover-ups and expanded survivor rights—plaintiffs have petitioned courts to consolidate related cases for more efficient handling. In early 2025, a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) request was granted for sexual abuse cases involving LDS Church defendants and affiliates.
These cases are now centralized under federal and state judiciaries to streamline pretrial discovery and coordinate rulings, with special judges assigned to manage sensitive claims involving historical abuse, institutional negligence, and psychological harm.
With hundreds of pending claims as of 2025, bellwether trials have begun, selecting representative cases to proceed to early trials. These will gauge potential jury responses and influence future settlement negotiations for survivors with similar allegations.
While verdicts in these bellwether trials are not binding on all cases, they provide important guidance on the direction and valuation of subsequent settlements.
Sexual Abuse Trauma and Mental Health Bellwether Trials
The first bellwether cases currently being prepared focus on representative claims involving:
- Institutional negligence and cover-ups
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Delayed reporting and suppression of abuse allegations
- Medical and therapy-related damages
Each case involves survivors alleging serious harm due to direct abuse or systemic failures within LDS church institutions and youth programs to prevent or report sexual abuse.
Sexual Abuse–Related PTSD and Mental Illness Trials
In early 2025, plaintiffs urged that the second phase of bellwether trials focus on long-term psychiatric impacts, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic anxiety, depression, and spiritual trauma
LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are The Defendants In These Cases?
Defendants in LDS sexual abuse lawsuits include the LDS Church as an institution, affiliated organizations, local bishops and leaders, and individuals in positions of authority who allegedly failed to prevent or report abuse.
Who Qualifies To File An LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Any individual who has been sexually abused or assaulted within LDS contexts—regardless of when the abuse occurred—may qualify under evolving state and federal laws. This includes survivors of childhood abuse, institutional neglect, and abuse perpetrated by clergy or volunteers affiliated with the church.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations?
Laws related to statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims vary by state, but many jurisdictions have extended or eliminated filing deadlines, particularly for childhood abuse survivors. It is advisable to act promptly to ensure eligibility and preserve evidence.
What Settlement Amounts Can Be Expected?
Settlement amounts vary based on the severity of abuse, emotional and medical consequences, and evidence strength. Several recent LDS abuse class actions and institutional lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements for survivors.
Who Can File An LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Survivors of sexual abuse or assault within LDS settings—whether recent or historical—may file lawsuits against perpetrators and any organizations that enabled or failed to prevent abuse. Legal guardians may also file on behalf of minors or incapacitated individuals.
