Clergy sexual abuse is something that can leave deep and lasting scars on the survivor. Unfortunately, this happens at Catholic Churches across the United States, and Boston is no exception. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse seek justice in civil cases and fight for financial compensation while offering compassionate legal support.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of seeking and obtaining compensation for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Those affected by clergy abuse need an attorney on their side who understands the intricacies of these cases and how to handle them with the compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism they deserve.
| $14.2 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4.1 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $2.5 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2.3 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $1.5 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
Our law firm made it our mission to facilitate healing for clergy abuse survivors by pursuing the maximum compensation possible for what they’ve been through. We’ll fight to ensure they receive the financial support and closure they deserve to begin healing. Our skilled legal team will be there for survivors every step of the way.
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Prevalence of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse in Boston
Many people have been sexually abused over the years in Boston Catholic Churches, but many of these incidents are only coming to light years or even decades later.
The Boston Archdiocese has discovered approximately 250 priests and clergy members who’ve been accused of childhood sexual abuse dating back to 1950. [1]
A report from 2003 stated that roughly 800 people have come forward about being sexually abused by Catholic Church members in Boston since 1940.
Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Boston
Of the over 2,000 ordained priests in Boston over the last several decades, there have been several notable clergy abuse cases that have made headlines:
- John H. Acres: He was accused of abusing students at Boston College High School in the late 1980s. By 1995, he was no longer in the order.
- Pasquale J. Barletta: He was accused of childhood sexual abuse against one boy between the ages of 14 and 16 between the years 1963 and 1965. The case was settled, and he hasn’t been mentioned in the Official Catholic Directory since 1970.
- Paul M. Desilets: He was accused of molesting a minimum of 20 altar boys in Massachusetts but returned to Canada in 1984. He was indicted in 2002 for molesting an additional 18 boys between 1978 and 1984 when he finally pleaded guilty.
Common Forms of Sexual Misconduct Perpetrated by Clergy Members
Clergy sexual abuse can take many forms, which can make it difficult for survivors sometimes to realize what happened to them is abuse. Common forms of sexual abuse by clergy members include:
- Grooming: The process of a clergy member or priest building trust with a victim and their family, which makes it easier for them to facilitate child sexual abuse.
- Inappropriate Touching: This can be anything from unwanted hugging to unwanted fondling or kissing. It’s often disguised as affectionate gestures but with malicious intent.
- Exposure: Forcing a minor to expose themselves or watch a clergy member expose them.
- Sexual Assault: Direct, non-consensual sexual contact. It can range from groping to rape.
- Exploitation: Taking advantage of their position of authority to coerce sexual favors. It’s often in exchange for spiritual forgiveness or guidance.
- Verbal Sexual Abuse: Making explicitly sexual comments or propositions to children within the congregation.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
Knowing the signs of clergy sexual abuse among children is the best way to identify issues early and hopefully stop the abuse from happening. It’s also vital in ending systemic sexual abuse by holding the abuser accountable. Common signs child sexual abuse victims exhibit include:
- Anxiety or Fear: Increased fear or anxiety, especially surrounding anything to do with religion or specific members of the Catholic Church.
- Sudden Behavioral Changes: Withdrawing from friends and family, aggression, or regression to behaviors they had when they were younger.
- Inappropriate Sexual Knowledge: Behavior or knowledge about sexual acts beyond what’s age-appropriate.
- Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Bleeding, bruises, or pain in their private areas with no explanation.
- Changes in School Performance: Sudden loss of interest in their after-school activities or a drastic drop in their grades.
- Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Extreme emotional distress where they’re exhibiting harmful behaviors.
- Sleep Disturbances: Bed wetting, insomnia, or waking up with nightmares.
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
Survivors of sexual abuse by church officials or other clergy members can seek justice by filing civil claims. However, eligibility can be affected by the statute of limitations. People who might be eligible to file clergy sexual abuse claims and seek financial compensation include:
- Child sexual abuse survivors can file a claim with their legal parents or guardians acting on their behalf.
- Adult victims of sexual abuse or assault by clergy members.
- Adults who survived clergy sexual abuse as children as long as they’re within the Massachusetts statute of limitations.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
In sexual abuse cases, it’s essential to prove liability. While sexual abuse has the individual perpetrator as a liable party, we can also hold the Catholic Church responsible for the individual’s actions or negligence.
Regarding individual liability, we can hold the abuser accountable in a civil suit where you’ll receive compensation, but they can also face criminal charges. As for institutional liability, they can possibility be held liable based on:
- Vicarious Liability: Even if the church isn’t directly negligent, it can sometimes be held liable for its clergy members.
- Negligent Hiring and Supervision: Failing to screen and monitor clergy members properly.
- Failing to Report: Not reporting or investigating allegations or suspicions of abuse to the authorities.
The Statute of Limitations for Civil Lawsuits in Boston
When it comes to civil clergy sexual abuse lawsuits, understanding the statute of limitations is essential. Not everyone is ready or able to come forward right away, so knowing how long someone has to file a civil lawsuit and seek compensation is necessary.
In Boston, Massachusetts, the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits for childhood clergy sexual abuse is 35 years from the date of the abuse or seven years from the time the survivor discovered the abuse, whichever is later. The statute of limitations on childhood clergy sex abuse doesn’t start until they turn 18, so they have until they turn 53 years old.
Then, there’s the discovery rule when it comes to childhood sexual abuse cases. This rule allows survivors to file a civil lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired if they can prove they didn’t make the connection between a physical or psychological issue and the clergy abuse until after it expired.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Experienced Attorneys
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’re prepared to handle many clergy abuse cases in Boston. Whether it’s at Catholic Churches, Protestant Churches, or other religious organizations, we have experience handling various types of cases:
- Sex abuse cases by pastors, priests, and other religious leaders across denominations.
- Historical cases of abuse by utilizing the extended statute of limitations.
- Cases that involve institutional negligence or cover-ups.
We’ll take on any clergy sexual abuse case at Boston religious institutions like the Archdioceses of Boston and its various parishes.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you’re a victim of clergy sex abuse in Boston, there are steps you can take that will not only ensure you’re safety but set you up for a strong civil case:
- Get yourself somewhere that you feel safe and away from your abuser.
- Seek medical treatment regardless of how minor your physical injuries might be.
- Document everything you can about the clergy abuse, especially dates and locations, if you can.
- Preserve any physical evidence of the clergy sex abuse if you’re able to.
- Seek support from loved ones and local sexual assault resources like the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BACC) or the Boston Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support if you’re comfortable.
- Consult with clergy sexual abuse attorneys who have experience with these types of cases in Boston.
How Our Boston Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
Our experienced attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are eager and ready to support survivors throughout the legal process by:
- Offering free and confidential consultations to share your story and hear your legal options.
- Investigating your claim thoroughly to gather evidence to strengthen your case.
- Developing a legal strategy tailored to your case.
- Negotiating with opposing counsel and other liable parties on your behalf.
We’ll offer you guidance throughout the process and help you navigate the legal challenges of seeking justice.
The Cost of Hiring Our Boston Clergy Abuse Lawyers
When you work with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, your case will be handled on a contingency fee basis. Our focus is getting you justice and the highest compensation possible, so you won’t have to pay any legal fees to us unless we’re successful.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has helped many victims file claims and seek financial recovery. The types we might be able to obtain for you include:
- Medical and therapy expenses
- Punitive damages
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
While we’ll fight for the maximum settlement, every case is different. Your total settlement will vary on factors such as:
- The severity and duration of the abuse.
- The strength of the evidence.
- The long-term impact on your life.
- The financial resources of the liable parties.
Contact Our Boston Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today!
With many instances of sexual abuse occurring within the religious community, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a law firm helping victims seek justice. We fight to ensure such abuse is never repeated and work to protect children from further abuse.
With a history of providing expert legal help in these cases, we offer a free initial consultation to guide survivors through the civil process, securing compensation and ensuring the perpetrators are held accountable.
To book a free, confidential consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.
Related Practice Areas
- Massachusetts Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Massachusetts Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Cambridge Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Lowell Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Springfield Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Worcester Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Archdiocese of Boston, [2] New York Times
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.
