"Confronting a Childhood Abuser" in the Mormon Church

[theotherelise]

[TW childhood sexual abuse]

I just listened to last Friday's episode of The Daily podcast by the New York Times. It's called "Confronting a Childhood Abuser." Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/24/podcasts/the-daily/sex-abuse-sundance.html

The survivor was abused by Sterling Van Wagenen, the founder of Sundance Film Festival and a well-known figure in the Mormon church. The abuse was handled within the church, as is often the case, but survivor Sean Escobar came forward with his story through a Mormon abuse whistle-blower website. It was a fascinating, raw story. I was absolutely struck by the way Sean described the lasting effects of this abusive episode on his life. 

So many themes shared are applicable to what we talk about here and the way abuse is hidden and whitewashed by churches at great cost to the original and likely future victims.