#1075 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,4,5,7,8. Other: Thoughts of self harm

I grew up in an LDS family in rural Idaho. I was baptized when I was eight as is the LDS standard. I would say I was fairly sheltered in my upbringing, and I mean this in the worst way possible. I was not really told what I was signing up for when they asked…

#1074 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,3,5,7,8,9. Other: Substance Abuse, stuck in abusive relationship cycle for years, diagnosed PTSD

I first learned about the LDS church the school year after I was raped at 14 years old. It was a case of coercion, I was told he cared about me and he wouldn’t stop pressuring me until I realized there was nothing I could say to make him stop, I had already said no…

#1073 Name Withheld. CS: 1,2,3,4

I grew up faithfully active in the church and believed all the doctrine I was taught, including the proper steps for repentance. When I was 14 I started dating a boy who sexually assaulted me. I was manipulated into continuing my relationship with him and allowing his behavior. When I was 16 I started dating…

1072 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,3,4,7,8

I am a former Mormon man in my late 40’s. This is my story about Mormon leadership interview abuse. I was taking a bath when I was very young. I can’t be certain of my age, but I think I was six. I remember I was cleaning my genitals with soap when my Father walked…

#1071 Ross M. CS: 1,2,3,7,8,9

There were many wonderful things about growing up among the devout. Family is valued highly and I enjoyed the privileges of a very stable home life and close relationships with not only my parents and brothers but with my many aunts, uncles, and cousins. There was the comfort of knowing that if I did everything…

#1069 Melissa W. CS: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10

I was first groomed and raped at age 9 yrs old by my sister’s Sunday School teacher. My family were devout Mormons, and my parents were in marital turmoil with 4 small children. I did not “report” until I was in a facility at age 19 for attempted suicide. My parents then attempted to search…

#1068 Megan W. CS: 1,2,3,4,6,7,8. Other: PTSD Fugue State, Dissociation

I was 16 and had to go in for a temple interview. I carried an immense amount of guilt surrounding abuse I suffered at the hands of an older girl years ago. It subsequently had caused years of shame, guilt, and repetitive masturbation episodes to relieve stress when memories of what was done to me…

#1066 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,3,4,6,7,8

I was raised LDS and left the church at age 23, and resigned officially at age 33 (when I learned this was an option for me). I was raised in a large family, falling in the middle of 4 boys, I was the eldest girl. Much of my childhood is a blank as I can’t…