’Architecture of Abuse’ explores the widespread issue of child sexual abuse in Utah, with a focus on how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically responded to reports of abuse within its community. Hosted by Alyssa Grenfell, alongside veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff, the series features conversations with survivors, clinical therapists, sociologists, historians, journalists, and researchers—some of whom are active LDS members.
Rooted in compassion and a call for accountability, ’Architecture of Abuse’ examines the cultural and institutional forces that protect abusers and silence victims. We aim to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of this issue, offer resources for survivors, and invite meaningful change within the LDS community and beyond.
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’Architecture of Abuse’ explores the widespread issue of child sexual abuse in Utah, with a focus on how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically responded to reports of abuse within its community. Hosted by Alyssa Grenfell, alongside veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff, the series features conversations with survivors, clinical therapists, sociologists, historians, journalists, and researchers—some of whom are active LDS members.
Rooted in compassion and a call for accountability, ’Architecture of Abuse’ examines the cultural and institutional forces that protect abusers and silence victims. We aim to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of this issue, offer resources for survivors, and invite meaningful change within the LDS community and beyond.
Co-host Alyssa Grenfell explores how the LDS Church's obsession with outward righteousness creates a culture that silences victims, enables abuse, and even erodes mental health. From standards for clothing and appearances, to the pressure of being “worthy”, this conversation confronts the Church’s behavioral theology head-on. Featuring insights from therapist Dr. Julie Hanks, sex therapist Natasha Helfer, and expert on undue influence, Dr. Steven Hassan, this deep dive unpacks how scrupulosity, image control, and “thought-stopping” tactics keep members obedient—and how that shapes a community's response to trauma.
Episode Transcript:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J0ohjeX10z-XcijwjOzIThLo_gG3Yes0/view?usp=sharing
Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com
Learn more about Dr. Julie Hanks’ work at https://www.drjuliehanks.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/drjuliehanks
Learn more about Dr. Steven Hassan at https://freedomofmind.com/ and follow him on Instagram https://.instagram.com/cultexpert
Learn more about Natasha Helfer at https://www.natashahelfer.com/ and follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/natashahelfermft
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All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice.
Every case is unique and should be considered and handled on a case-by-case basis. Under current law, and after decades of experience bringing cases against institutions like the LDS Church, it is our professional opinion that there is no mechanism to handle CSA-related claims other than individually. Under current law we do not anticipate that, without substantial changes to the law, there will be a mechanism—class action, consolidated cases, federal multi-district actions, or anything else—that will allow these claims to proceed on anything other than an individual basis. They are all simply too fact dependent. For inquiries about legal representation, visit kosnoff.com
Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim KosnoffExecutive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. PhillipsProducer | Lizzy BeanResearcher | Emily Sellers
Architecture of Abuse
’Architecture of Abuse’ explores the widespread issue of child sexual abuse in Utah, with a focus on how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically responded to reports of abuse within its community. Hosted by Alyssa Grenfell, alongside veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff, the series features conversations with survivors, clinical therapists, sociologists, historians, journalists, and researchers—some of whom are active LDS members.
Rooted in compassion and a call for accountability, ’Architecture of Abuse’ examines the cultural and institutional forces that protect abusers and silence victims. We aim to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of this issue, offer resources for survivors, and invite meaningful change within the LDS community and beyond.
