Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts Churches

In 2002, a major report surrounding the long history of priests in the archdiocese of Boston sexually abusing children was brought forward by the Boston Globe. It was alleged that church leaders covered up the abuse to prevent others from knowing. The scandal was a part of a series of Catholic Church sexual abuse cases and reports that came out across the country.

However, the scale of the abuse and cover-ups detailed in the report titled the spotlight investigation led to widespread media coverage of the incidents. This helped expose the long history of abuse and cover-ups within the state of Massachusetts and across the entire country. Unfortunately, these instances of institutionalized sexual abuse or something we still see today as more and more victims come forward with their claims of being abused in the past.

Fall River Diocese Release

Even though we often place religious figures on pedestals, we continue to learn more and more of the disturbing actions they are taking against innocent children. In early 2021, the Fall River diocese produced three full lists with the names of priests who were within the diocese that had been accused, credibly, and publicly have pending cases of sexual abuse against minors.

The lists contained the names of priests, seminaries, and other religious figures who were accused of sexual abuse against children. Some of the listed figures have pending cases.

Clergy Members Being Accused of Abusing Children

Unfortunately, there is a lengthy list of people who are clergy members who have been credibly accused of people using children in the state of Massachusetts. It has been determined that major religious institutions in our state have had significant reports over the years. These include:

• Archdiocese of Boston: 262 priests were credibly accused of abusing children.
• Diocese of Fall River: 74 priests were credibly accused of abusing children.
• Diocese of Springfield: 47 priests were credibly accused of abusing children.
• Diocese of Worcester: 42 priests were credibly accused of abusing children.

Unfortunately, many of these cases are not brought forward to the public’s attention until several years pass. As a result, the perpetrators are able to continue their patterns of abuse with multiple victims.

When innocent children are targeted by these and other figures of authority, it is important that they understand that they may have legal options available to help them move forward. Reaching out to a sexual abuse lawyer in Massachusetts right away is crucial when it comes to protecting your legal rights.

Let Our Law Firm Help You

If you have been subjected to sexual abuse as a child, or your child was targeted by a religious figure, it is important that you reach out to our institutional sexual abuse lawyers in Massachusetts as soon as possible. Our lawyers will help you seek financial compensation from your abuser to help you move forward.

Our team at the Law Office of Carmen L Durso is committed to helping victims protect their legal rights and hold their abusers to account. Contact our law firm today by calling 617-728-9123 to schedule a free case evaluation at your earliest convenience.