Church Sexual Abuse in Michigan: Signs, Prevention, and What Parents Should Do

Recent Michigan Church Abuse Cases Highlight Serious Issues

A recent scandal in Midland, Michigan is bringing necessary attention to a systemic issue in our churches. According to Ministry Watch and other local sources, three church leaders of Living Word Church have been arrested due to the sexual assault of at least eight child victims, reportedly all of whom where under the age of 13. At least two of these leaders had prior criminal convictions that should have precluded them from obtaining a position of power over children, convictions that Living Word Church should have been aware of. 

How Common is Church Sexual Abuse in Michigan?

This is not a singular incident; in the past year alone there have been multiple egregious cases brought against church leaders across multiple Michigan counties: 

• Diocese of Grand Rapids: Reported in December 2025- 51 identified priests over 70 years accused of sexual misconduct against adults or children 
• Diocese of Lansing: Reported in February 2025- 60 identified church leaders over 70 years accused of sexual misconduct 
• Ann Arbor: Reported in early 2026- A youth pastor faces 60 charges for child sex crimes against 11 children.

In some of these cases, including Living Word Church, church leaders allegedly knew about the abuse that was going on, allowed or even enabled the abuse to continue, or were directly involved.  

As a parent, there is nothing worse than learning that your child has been through something as traumatic as sexual abuse, especially at the hands of a trusted religious figure or institution. It’s difficult to catch and harder to combat. The aftermath of discovery can also be distressing and confusing, but there are steps that a parent can take to both protect their child before the worst happens and to help heal their child after. 

How to Recognize Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

For many children experiencing sexual abuse, especially at the hands of a trusted religious figure, telling someone what they are experiencing may not always be there first instinct. The perpetrator may have manipulated the child to not speak about what is going on. Children, especially young ones, do not always understand or have the tools to speak about what they are experiencing. Some children will exhibit certain behaviors that indicate a traumatic experience, while others may show no signs at all. It’s important to listen to your child and to ask questions if you have doubts. Some common signs of child sexual abuse can be found below*. 

Behavioural Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

• Headaches/stomachaches
• Bed-wetting
• Weight loss
• Nightmares and sleep distrubances

Behavioural Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

• Sudden disinterest in enjoyed acitivities
• School performance and behavior changes
• Poor self-care and personal hygiene
• Over-compliance

It is important to note that just because a child is exhibiting one or more of these signs does not mean they have been abused. Similarly, a child who has been abused may not show these signs. Every child is different and all will have different indicators. 

* This is not a comprehensive list. More information can be found through the National Office for Child Safety. 

What Should You Do If You Suspected Child Sexual Abuse?

Once abuse has been uncovered, it is important that certain steps are taken. 

1. Ensure the safety of the child: Remove the child from the environment where they were abused and end all contact with the alleged abuser. 

2. Report the abuse to Police: Many people, especially in the church, feel hesitancy toward this step. There is a culture of stigma and oppression around sexual assault. Not believing the victim is common. It is important to remember that the child has done nothing wrong and that they deserve justice. Not reporting can lead to further abuse of your child or others. Protecting a child is never wrong. 

3. Notify appropriate leadership: Ensuring that the church is aware of the activities of its members is you doing your part to end the cycle. Once they are aware, it is their job to control the perpetrators behavior and ensure they have no further contact with children. 

a. Information on your local church leaders should be available online. Try to report the perpetrator to an individual with a higher authority. 

4. Seek professional support. Begin the journey of recovery 

Other Ways to Report Abuse

If you suspect the abuse of your child or a child you know, there are multiple avenues through which you can report it. The police or church leaders have a duty to take all claims of abuse seriously and to investigate within their purview. If you feel these options are not right for your situation, anonymous reporting is available to you: 

• MI Child Protective Services: offers a toll-free number that allows you to report abuse or neglect of children and adults 
• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): provides 24/7 confidential hotline
• Stop It Now: provides resources and answers questions on next steps, completely confidential 
• ChildHelp: National Child Abuse Hotline: 24/7 hotline provided by the federal government offering crisis intervention, informaiton, and referrals to law enforcement, social services, and support resources

Resources to Help Children Recover from Sexual Abuse

After the worst has happened, what do you do next? 

Children are remarkably resilient, and there is so much hope for recovery after a traumatic experience such as sexual abuse. Children who suffer this type of abuse may need more help than their immediate community can provide but friends and family still play an important role in the recovery process. 

While a child is healing from abuse it is important for friends, family, and loved ones to provide meaningful support. Listening to their experiences and validating how they feel and how they acted can be meaningful tools in the recovery process. 

Many children may need additional support that can not be provided at home. Seeking professional help may be ideal in these situations. Finding a counselor that specializes in child sexual assault may be particularly helpful. 

● The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Provides parents and caregivers with
tools to help support children, and offer a downloadable PDF which provides more
information
● RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Provides a 24/7 confidential hotline for
victims or families of victims
● GRACE: Offers independent investigation services for parents who either do not wish to
or can not contact authorities. Creates specialized teams of experts in this field who can
respond to cases of abuse, even those that have passed the statute of limitations. Provides resources such as information and referrals for those who have experienced sexual abuse personally or through a loved one. Offers formal consultations, providing insight and recommendations relating to specific questions or situations.

Can a Church Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse In Michigan?

How Can the Law Help You?

Generally, sexual assault is a criminal matter and any legalities will go through the
criminal justice system. However, there are exceptions and items that a civil attorney may be
able to help you with. In a case involving the church in which church members were aware of the
abuse and allowed it to continue, such as the recent Living Word Church or the recent case in
Ann Arbor, the church may be liable. In such a case the victims may be entitled to compensation.
An attorney who specializes in this field may be able to tell you more. Giroux Pappas Trial
Attorneys has several attorneys that may be able to help you. You can find a Sexual Abuse attorney who
specializes in this area and who will be able to answer these questions here.

Speak With a Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorney

Attorneys at Giroux Pappas have 30 years of experience helping people when sexual
assault involves a third party such as a church, school, hospital, sports organization etc. Contact
us today for a free consultation. All calls are confidential. We are here to help keep your children
safe. Call 248.531.8665