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Architecture of Abuse

Architecture of Abuse

By: Architecture of Abuse
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Architecture of Abuse explores the widespread issue of child sexual abuse in Utah, with a particular 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, through the lens of veteran attorney and co-host Tim Kosnoff’s decades-long career representing survivors, and in conversation with clinical therapists, sociologists, historians, journalists, and researchers, some of whom are active LDS members, we examine the cultural, institutional, and historical forces that enable silence and protect abusers.

We aim to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of the scope of this issue, and how abuse can be properly prevented and addressed, while offering support and resources for survivors—including information about legal representation. Rooted in compassion and a call for accountability, this podcast invites listeners—especially members of the LDS Church—to be part of the movement for meaningful change.

⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care.
💡 All views expressed are opinions only and do not constitute legal advice.

Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff
Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips
Producer | Lizzy Bean
Researcher | Emily Sellers

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Season One Update
    Sep 25 2025

    In this update, co-host and attorney Tim Kosnoff reflects on the impact of Architecture of Abuse’s first season. With tens of thousands of downloads and an outpouring of listener responses, the series has become a powerful resource for survivors of child sexual abuse—helping many find the language, courage, and support to take their first steps in speaking out.

    Tim shares insights from the feedback he and the team have received, including how the series is resonating both inside and outside the LDS community. He recounts his experience presenting at the Sunstone Conference, where conversations highlighted the urgent need for broader awareness and education.

    This update also addresses one of the most pressing listener questions: the existence of a proprietary database of abusers within the LDS Church. Tim explains why it has been kept private, how survivors can inquire about their abuser, and what’s next for the podcast.

    ———

    Episode Transcript:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aq8dt93dxnHEfiXX9OGE3wN1auSqxe50/view

    Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com

    Contribute to the conversation:

    ➡️ Follow & subscribe to the podcast

    ➡️ Leave a review & rating

    ➡️ Follow https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse

    ➡️ Share the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions

    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

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    17 mins
  • Episode 7: Justice
    Jul 22 2025

    When abuse was enabled or hidden by religious institutions, the idea of justice can take on many forms. In this powerful final episode of Season 1, attorney and co-host Tim Kosnoff and legal scholar Marci Hamilton join host Alyssa Grenfell to unpack the legal, cultural, and institutional obstacles survivors face when seeking accountability from the organizations society deems to be the most moral. Together, they explore the heartbreaking realities of delayed disclosure, the role of statute of limitations laws, and the entrenched systems that protect abusers, and Marci shares her experience challenging unconstitutional religious exemptions and leading the national fight to reform child sex abuse laws.

    ⚠️ This podcast contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Please listen with care.

    Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bv-uomyIdCeC9l-IHqLKXWwTGq0epZiD/view

    Additional resources, and a contact form are available at ArchitectureOfAbuse.com

    Visit CHILD USA’s website: https://childusa.org

    God vs. the Gavel: Religion and the Rule of Law by Marci A. Hamilton. Cambridge University Press, June 2005.

    Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect Its Children by Marci A. Hamilton. Cambridge University Press, April 2012.

    Contribute to the conversation by: ➡️ Following/subscribing to the podcast ➡️ Leaving a review/rating ➡️ Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse ➡️ Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions

    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 Kosnoff| Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Deep Dive 6: A Survivor's Legal Guide
    Jul 18 2025

    Attorney Tim Kosnoff breaks down what it means to file a legal claim as a survivor of abuse. With over four decades of experience representing victims within institutions like the LDS Church, Tim offers a concrete and reassuring look at what to expect, from overcoming the fear of making the first phone call to the possibility of a settlement. He addresses common myths and fears, explains key legal terms, and clarifies questions around confidentiality, privacy, and control. Most importantly, he emphasizes that you remain in charge—of the pace, the details you share, and the path forward. If you’ve ever considered taking legal action but felt overwhelmed, this episode is a powerful starting point to reclaim your voice, understand your options, and know you’re not alone.

    Episode Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h9c5zyqxSeb8DbJ9Rn-D8tMF5Z-DU9vo/view

    Additional resources, and a contact form are available at https://architectureofabuse.com

    To discuss a potential claim with Tim, visit https://kosnoff.com

    Contribute to the conversation by:

    ➡️ Following/subscribing to the podcast ➡️ Leaving a review/rating ➡️ Following https://instagram.com/architectureofabuse and https://tiktok.com/@architectureofabuse ➡️ Sharing the podcast with someone who might benefit from these discussions

    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 https://kosnoff.com

    Hosts | Alyssa Grenfell & Tim Kosnoff Executive Producers | Lindsay Hansen Park & Eric W. Phillips Producer | Lizzy Bean Researcher | Emily Sellers

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
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