My earliest recollection of being sexually abused and assaulted by my father was when I was five years old.
The abuse continued until I left home to attend university.
When I reached puberty, my father stopped the penetrative assaults and resorted to molestation only. Can’t get his daughter pregnant, right? Creep.
Anyway, I’m 11th grade, the branch president was made aware of the abuse. My younger sister, who was also being attacked had disclosed this information during a youth temple worthiness interview.
A disciplinary council was conducted. My father was excommunicated.
He never spent a minute in prison. He was not forced to undergo psychiatric evaluations or interventions.
The branch president, two stake presidents, a stake executive Secretary and a stake presidency counselor were at the disciplinary council. My paternal grandfather (who was a high priest at the time) knew about the abuse.
Yet, not a single one stepped up to the plate to protect us or to ensure that my father never sexually exploited any other girls in the future. They were complicit in our abuse by remaining silent. By not getting us the help we needed. We were even blamed for being abused.
A few years ago, I learned that my father had sexually abused/assaulted a girl in the neighbourhood, a cousin, my ten-year old sister, and at least a couple of other girls.
The church harbours sex offenders and prevents victims from getting Justice. All of this happened in the mid 80s in eastern Canada.
Even all of these years later, the church doesn’t do enough of the right, honourable, and legal things in response to sex abuse committed by church members and leaders. They need to smarten the hell up and do right by those who are sexually harmed and exploited by church members and leaders.