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Fr. Bernard Dabbene – Archdiocese of San Francisco

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Bernard Dabbene – Archdiocese of San Francisco

December 9, 2020 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Bernard Dabbene – Archdiocese of San Francisco

Father Bernard Dabbene

Ordained: 1966

Died: 2010

Assignment History:

  • The late 1950s: Salesian Seminary (Richmond, CA)
  • 1966-1968: St. Francis High School (Watsonville, CA)
  • 1968-1972: Don Bosco Technical High School (S. San Gabriel/Rosemead, CA)
  • 1972-1979: Salesian High School (Richmond, CA)
  • 1979-1982: Don Bosco Technical Institute (Rosemead, CA)
  • 1983-1984: Salesian Provincial Residence (San Francisco, CA)
  • 1984-1985: Salesian Community (Berkeley, CA)
  • 1985-1989: St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, CA)
  • 1989-1993: Salesian Provincial Residence (San Francisco, CA)
  • 1993-1999: Corpus Christi (San Francisco, CA)
  • 1998-2000: Archdiocesan Vicar for Parishes (San Francisco, CA)
  • 1999-2000: Cathedral of St. Mary (Assumption) (San Francisco, CA)
  • 2000-2010: Salesian Provincial Residence (San Francisco, CA)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Bernard Dabbene:

In 2000, Fr. Bernard Dabbene was arrested for molesting a 17-year-old boy. Dabbene and the boy were caught by the police in Dabbene's car in San Francisco, California. Dabbene was placed on leave after his arrest.

According to media reports, both Dabbene and the minor were caught with their pants unzipped. Dabbene was charged with assault with an attempt to commit oral copulation and false imprisonment, annoying or molesting a child, and sexual battery.

According to media reports, Dabbene pleaded guilty to molesting the minor. He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and 3 years' probation. He was also ordered to receive counseling, avoid minors, and register as a sex offender.

In 2001, Dabbene was sent to St. John Vianney Center in Philadelphia for six months of sex offender treatment.

In 2002, Dabbene was accused of molesting a 9th-grade boy at Salesian Seminary in Richmond, California in 1959. At the time, Dabbene was a lay brother and teacher at this school.

In addition, reports state that Dabbene was named in a 2003 civil suit which alleged he was part of a ring of child molesters at Salesian High School from 1969-1973.

After Dabben went for treatment, he was later restored to the Salesian community. Dabbene lived at the Salesian provincial headquarters.

In 2019, Dabbene was included on a list of priests in the Oakland Diocese who was named as being credibly accused of child sex abuse.

Dabbene died in 2010.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of San Francisco in California. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in one of California's Catholic dioceses, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of San Francisco now have legal options due to a voluntary compensation fund created by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in California and nationwide. We can help.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.



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