The Boston Voice of the Faithful, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and BishopAccountability.org have sent letters to Cardinal Sean O’Malley of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston asking for the names of all of its priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. The last count in 2003, conducted by the Massachusetts Attorney General, found allegations had been made against 237 Boston clerics. That was six year ago and the number of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse may have grown.
For example, in New Hampshire, the attorney general released its latest list of priests who have been accused of sex abuse. Compared to its 2003 figures, when there were 67 priests named, there are now 100 priests.
According to BishopAccountability.org, the groups are requesting an updated list of priests who have been “credibly accused” of sexual abuse-such as priests who have been accused of sexual abuse multiple times or of other clergy sex abuse allegations that the archdiocese deems credible. Unfortunately, many Massachusetts priests accused of sexual abuse will never be tried in criminal court because the statute of limitations has expired. Some of these priests may be living freely in communities throughout Massachusetts or still ministering to parishioners, including children, in Boston churches.
According to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, clergy sex abuse cost $436 million in associated costs in 2008 and $615 million in 2007.
Sexual Abuse
Rape, molestation, incest, and other forms of sexual assault and abuse are violent crimes that can physically, emotionally, and mentally scar the victims for life. It is can sometimes be even more devastating when the abuser is a trusted priest, a teacher, a coach, a family friend, or a family member.
You may have grounds for filing a Massachusetts sexual abuse lawsuit against your perpetrator or the abuser of your son or daughter.
Groups ask Cardinal Sean O’Malley for accused priests’ names, Boston Herald, April 7, 2009
Catholic priest raised red flag a half-century ago, HamptonRoads.com, April 6, 2009
No time limit urged for clergy abuse suits, Seacoastonline.com, March 28, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Boston Voice of the Faithful
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Archdiocese of Boston
Contact our Boston sexual assault lawyers to discuss your Massachusetts personal injury case.