Massachusetts Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Holding the Church Accountable for Survivors

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by a priest, deacon, nun, or other clergy member in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts clergy sexual abuse lawyers at Horowitz Law are here to help. 

We represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse across the Commonwealth, and we have spent decades fighting to hold abusers and the institutions that protected them accountable in civil court. 

You are not alone, and it is not too late to seek justice.

Massachusetts has one of the most well-documented histories of clergy sexual abuse in the country. From the Archdiocese of Boston to the dioceses of Fall River, Springfield, and Worcester, thousands of children were harmed by people who were supposed to protect them. The institutions that should have stopped it chose silence instead.

We believe survivors. We stand with you. And we are ready to fight for the accountability you deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. There is never a fee unless we win your case.

Why Survivors Choose Horowitz Law for Massachusetts Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

Choosing a legal team for a case like this is a deeply personal decision. At Horowitz Law, we understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we treat every survivor with the dignity and respect they deserve from the very first phone call. Here is what sets our firm apart:

• We focus our entire practice on sexual abuse cases. This is all we do, every day. That singular focus means we understand the legal, emotional, and institutional complexities of these cases better than a general practice firm ever could.
• We have a proven track record of results against powerful institutions. Our managing partner, Adam Horowitz, secured a jury verdict of over $70 million on behalf of a sexual assault survivor. We are not intimidated by the size or resources of any organization.
• We have represented hundreds of sexual abuse survivors nationwide and have deep experience with cases involving the Catholic Church and other religious institutions.
• We connect survivors with counseling services, mental health resources, forensic professionals, and other survivors. Your well-being always comes first.
• We maintain regular communication and full transparency throughout your case. You will always know where things stand and have direct access to the legal professionals working on your behalf.

If you were abused by a member of the clergy in Massachusetts, you may have legal options you are not aware of. Call us at 888-283-9922 or reach out through our website to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation.

Clergy Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts: A History of Betrayal and Cover-Up

Massachusetts sits at the center of the church sexual abuse crisis in America. In January 2002, the Boston Globe's Spotlight investigative team published a groundbreaking series of articles exposing widespread sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Boston. 

The reporting revealed that church leadership, including Cardinal Bernard Law, had known about abusive priests for years and had repeatedly reassigned them to new parishes instead of removing them from ministry.

The Globe's investigation led to criminal prosecutions, the resignation of Cardinal Law, and an eventual $85 million settlement from the Archdiocese of Boston to hundreds of survivors. The story inspired the Academy Award-winning film Spotlight and opened the door for survivors in every state to come forward with their own experiences.

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office also conducted its own investigation, resulting in a detailed public report documenting the scope of abuse and institutional failure within the Archdiocese. That report, available through the Massachusetts Attorney General's website, confirmed a pattern of concealment that spanned decades.

But the abuse was never limited to Boston. All four Catholic dioceses in Massachusetts have faced allegations of abuse by priests and other church personnel:

• Archdiocese of Boston covering Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and most of Plymouth counties in eastern Massachusetts
• Diocese of Fall River covering Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties in southeastern Massachusetts
• Diocese of Springfield covering Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties in western Massachusetts
• Diocese of Worcester covering Worcester County in central Massachusetts

Across these dioceses, hundreds of priests and other clergy members have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. Many survivors carried their pain in silence for decades. 

Today, Massachusetts law gives many of those survivors the right to file civil claims and seek justice, even for abuse that happened long ago.

Search Accused Clergy and Dioceses in Massachusetts

We have compiled publicly available information on clergy members accused of sexual abuse across Massachusetts dioceses. This tool is designed to help survivors identify their abusers and understand that they are not alone in their experiences.

We recognize that looking through these names can bring up painful memories. Please know that our team is here if you need support. You can reach us at 888-283-9922 at any time.

If the name of the person who abused you does not appear in our database, that does not mean you do not have a case. New names are added regularly as more information becomes public. 

Please contact our Massachusetts clergy sexual abuse attorneys regardless, and we will review your situation in a confidential conversation.

Massachusetts Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse

One of the most common questions survivors ask is whether it is too late to file a civil claim. In many cases, the answer is no. Massachusetts has some of the strongest protections in the country for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. 

Childhood Sexual Abuse: Up to 35 Years to File

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 4C, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file a civil lawsuit within 35 years of the abuse or within 7 years of discovering that an emotional or psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever deadline gives the survivor more time. The clock does not start running until the survivor turns 18.

In practical terms, this means many survivors may have until age 53 to bring a civil claim. This law was expanded in 2014 from a much shorter three-year window, reflecting the growing understanding that trauma often prevents survivors from coming forward for many years.

This is a critical protection because childhood sexual abuse by clergy often involves grooming, manipulation, and deep feelings of shame. Many survivors do not fully understand the connection between the abuse and their struggles with mental health, relationships, or addiction until well into adulthood.

Claims Against Institutions: The Same Extended Deadline Applies

Massachusetts law also allows survivors to bring claims against the institutions that enabled the abuse. Under Section 4C½ of Chapter 260, a civil lawsuit alleging that an institution negligently supervised or contributed to the sexual abuse of a minor follows the same 35-year and 7-year framework described above. This means survivors can hold dioceses, parishes, schools, and other organizations accountable for failing to protect children.

This is especially important in cases involving the church, where the evidence often shows that leadership knew about an abusive priest and chose to transfer them rather than report them to law enforcement.

Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse

For adults who were sexually abused by clergy members, Massachusetts generally allows three years from the date of the abuse to file a civil claim. However, exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, including situations involving ongoing patterns of abuse, coercion, or a delayed understanding of the harm. 

For more information on how Massachusetts law addresses these cases, the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries maintain a helpful overview. Because the rules can be complex, we encourage adult survivors to contact our clergy sexual abuse attorneys for a confidential case evaluation.

Important: There are active legislative efforts in Massachusetts to eliminate the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil claims entirely. The law could change at any time. If you are considering whether to come forward, now may be the right time to explore your options. 

How Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help Survivors in Massachusetts

At Horowitz Law, we understand that filing a civil claim is about much more than money. It is about being heard. It is about holding the people and institutions who harmed you accountable. And for many survivors, it is a meaningful step in the healing process.

Here is what the civil legal process can look like when you work with our team:

• A confidential conversation: When you contact us, you will speak with someone who listens without judgment. We will learn about your experience and help you understand your legal options.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: Our team researches the history of the accused clergy member and the institution, reviews church records, and identifies patterns of abuse and cover-up.
• Filing a civil claim: We prepare and file your case in court, seeking compensation for the harm you suffered, including the emotional, psychological, and financial toll of the abuse.
• Ongoing support throughout the process: We keep you informed at every step and connect you with counseling, support groups, and other resources to help you through this chapter.

There is no organization too large for us to confront. We have taken on major institutions across the country, and we bring that same determination to every case in Massachusetts.

Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Massachusetts?

Civil claims for abuse by clergy can be filed by a wide range of survivors. You may have a case if you were abused by a priest, deacon, nun, brother, church employee, religious educator, or any other person connected to a religious institution. 

The abuse may have occurred at a church, parish school, rectory, summer camp, retreat, or any other setting where the institution had a duty to protect you. You may also have a claim against the institution itself. Dioceses, religious orders, parishes, and affiliated organizations can be held accountable if they:

• Knew or should have known about the abuser's behavior
• Failed to investigate complaints or warning signs
• Transferred the abuser to a new assignment instead of reporting them
• Actively concealed the abuse from law enforcement, parishioners, or families
• Failed to implement safeguards to protect children

Even if the abuser has passed away or has never been criminally charged, a civil lawsuit may still be possible. Civil cases have a different standard of proof than criminal cases, and they serve a different purpose. A civil claim allows you to seek compensation and accountability through the court system.

FAQs about Massachusetts Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Below are answers to some of the questions survivors frequently ask when considering a claim in Massachusetts.

Speak Confidentially with Our Massachusetts Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy in Massachusetts, we want you to know that what happened to you matters. You deserved to be protected, and the people and institutions that failed you should be held accountable.

At Horowitz Law, we have dedicated our careers to standing with survivors. From the moment you contact us, you will have a compassionate ear, a dedicated support system, and a legal team you can trust. We are honored to fight for you.

Call 888-283-9922 today for your free, confidential consultation. You can also reach us through our website. There is never a fee unless we win.

Your story matters. Your healing matters. And your pursuit of justice starts here.