• there must be common issues; and
I imagine this might be the biggest hurdle, as the "common" issue is quite debatable. An ideal class action would be based on a pattern of very similar pattern of repeatable behavior by defendant (WT). (E.g., construction workers work daily with a chemical the manufacturer knows causes long-term health issues. However, the company keeps the health risks secret then later denies any liability for the harm caused to workers' health. So in other words, same behavior/action over and over again to a class of people.)
Yes, all may have been abused, but the circumstances and perceived "mishandling" will likely vary widely. Was it an Elder who abused? Was it an Elder who discouraged/prevented reporting? Was it a baptized person who was the abuser? Was a known abuser appointed, re-appointed, DF'd, not DF'd? Was the abuser a known repeat abuser? Etc., etc., etc....
Were the WT's actions in response to abuse (or report of abuse) "common" enough across enough individual cases to form a "class"?