A Riverside woman has been awarded a staggering $2.3 billion in damages in a lawsuit that accused her father of sexual abuse and also implicated the Mormon Church. The case highlights the continuing issue of child sexual abuse and the responsibility of religious institutions in addressing such crimes.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleged that her father subjected her to years of sexual abuse beginning when she was just a child. The lawsuit also claimed that the Mormon Church, to which the family belonged, was aware of the abuse but failed to take action, thereby enabling the father to continue his criminal behavior.
The jury found in favor of Jane Doe, awarding her one of the largest sums ever granted in a sexual abuse case. The massive judgment reflects not only the severity of the abuse but also the negligence of the Mormon Church in failing to intervene and protect the victim.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, has faced numerous allegations of sexual abuse in recent years. Critics argue that the church’s policies and practices may create an environment that enables abuse to occur and go unreported.
This landmark judgment sends a strong message to religious institutions and emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action to prevent and address instances of child sexual abuse. The case is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the Mormon Church and other religious organizations, as they grapple with the challenges of addressing abuse within their communities.
