Former YoungLife members allege sexual misconduct

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Youth ministry giant YoungLife has repeatedly mismanaged allegations of sexual assault against its volunteers, according to an Insider report. The large non-profit organization commissions young unpaid volunteers to work on the front lines with students. The casual nature of YoungLife mentoring has at times led to inappropriate relationships and abuse. Former participants and staff are calling on the organization to change its policy on sexual assault, which prohibits employees and volunteers from reporting misconduct to police without management approval.

Ten women contacted by Insider said they experienced sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, unwanted touching and unwanted sexual attentions while participating in Young Life activities. When informed of these allegations, formally or informally, local or national leaders of the organization ignored or mismanaged their complaints, the women said. After reporting their experiences internally, at least one lost her post within the organization and two others were suspended. Some said they were asked to forgive their alleged abusers, while others said they were chased away by those they saw as friends and role models.

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