Which explains why it is no surprise that students at the church’s flagship university, Brigham Young University in Provo, turn first to their ecclesiastical leaders – their bishop – when they are victims of sexual assault. Instead of the police, students make an appointment with their bishop, walk in and “confess” their sin.
Except it’s not a sin to be sexually assaulted. And students should be turning to police to report such assaults. Not bishops.
A recent survey out of BYU reveals that students are still not comfortable reporting sexual assault. The school provides little training about what to do if a student is assaulted, what even constitutes assault and how a bystander can help.