Was born and raised in the Mormon Church in Provo Utah. I have been questioned inappropriately by Bishops since age 8. When I was 12 years old, My Bishop’s name was _____. He would always start on our sessions with a hug and hold my hands. While holding my hands he asked questions about masturbating and sexuality and what I was doing and what boys wanted to do to me. At age 12, I wasn’t doing anything, I didn’t even know anything and I was completely confused by this adult man who kept talking to me about these things that I did not understand.
He told me that I couldn’t tell anyone about our conversations because God would be mad at me, and if I told I would go to hell, and lose my family. And I believed him!
Our meetings progressed to the point where he was touching and doing things that are completely inappropriate for a male adult to do to a 12 year old female!
The touching went on for about 6 months before I finally broke down and told my Mom… thank heavens! She made it clear that she would never let me go see him alone, she would always go with me, and she protected me.
Lots of damage was already done, and I struggle with PTSD because of the abuse I suffered in the Mormon Church. My fear of men, and me believing that men have the right to do whatever they want to me and my body, because I didn’t believe I had any rights!
I am in therapy for PTSD and I’m working through it and I’m going to be fine! More importantly I got my children out of the cult as well!
This Cult does not get to define, abuse, degrade, or dismiss me ever again!!!
Thank you Sam for standing up for those of us who didn’t have a voice!