By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell released a report detailing the findings of her office’s investigation into child sexual abuse in the Catholic Dioceses of Fall River, Springfield and Worcester.

The investigation found evidence that more than 270 Catholic clerics abused nearly 1,000 children at the three dioceses. The report documents decades of failures by diocesan leaders to adequately respond to allegations of child sexual abuse and protect children from further harm. The investigation found instances in which diocesan leaders failed to act on allegations and warning signs; transferred accused and offending priests to other parishes without disclosing the reasons for their transfers; returned priests to ministry following treatment without adequate supervision; failed to meaningfully enforce restrictions; concealed the reasons priests were removed from ministry; and failed to consistently report allegations to law enforcement.
“For decades, survivors of clergy sexual abuse, including those who are no longer alive, have carried the devastating consequences of abuse, while the institutions entrusted with their care too often failed to protect them,” said Campbell. “This report provides for the first time a public accounting of the unimaginable harms afflicted on children in the Fall River, Springfield and Worcester dioceses. While important reforms have been made, the report documents decades of failures by diocesan leaders to adequately respond to allegations of child sexual abuse and protect children from further harm.”
Campbell continued, “As a woman of deep faith, it is my prayer and profound hope that this report honors the courage and stories of survivors and serves as a renewed catalyst for Massachusetts to finally do all that is necessary to ensure the safety of our children. No institution should ever put its own reputation and interest above the safety and wellbeing of its constituents, especially children.”