Institutional Betrayal, DARVO, and the Failure of "Belonging" in a High-Control Religious Community (A Case Study of the Latter-day Saint Tradition)

This paper examines the institutional mechanisms within a high-demand religious tradition that actively dismantle belonging for survivors of abuse. Through a case study of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it argues that the theological, pastoral, and administrative, mechanisms within the institution are weaponized to silence victims. The analysis, drawing on the frameworks of institutional betrayal and DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), and a “theology of inerrancy”, prioritizes protection of priesthood leaders, priesthood holders, and the institution over the safety and healing of survivors. This paper demonstrates how practices of exclusion and gaslighting systematically dismantle belonging and concludes by proposing institutional courage as a theological and ethical prerequisite for reformation.