Full Breakdown
Massachusetts Attorney General Releases Decades-Long Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse in Three Dioceses
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Findings
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office released a 200-page report documenting that more than 270 Catholic clerics sexually abused nearly 1,000 children across the Fall River, Springfield and Worcester dioceses over several decades. The investigation, begun in 2019, found most abuse occurred before 2002, that diocesan leaders repeatedly transferred accused priests, allowed some to return to ministry without adequate supervision, and often failed to report allegations to law enforcement. The report referred three cases to local district attorneys; one case in Worcester County resulted in criminal charges.
Background & Context
The scandal resurfaced nationally after the Boston Globe’s 2002 Spotlight investigation exposed systemic cover-ups in the Archdiocese of Boston. Massachusetts enacted child-protection reforms in 2002 and created diocesan offices for victim assistance. In 2019, then-Attorney General Maura Healey launched a criminal probe into the three dioceses, which culminated in the current report released by her successor Andrea Joy Campbell.
Data & Statistics
- Clerics identified: > 270 (all three dioceses)
- Children identified: *nearly 1,000* vs. 944 – a discrepancy noted in the report.
- Fall River diocese: 92 clergy accused of abusing 469 survivors.
- Timeframe: Abuse allegations span at least 70 years.
- Legal outcomes: No prosecutions; three referrals, one resulting in charges; statutes of limitations barred many cases.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the report provides “the first full public accounting” of institutional failures and urged dioceses to adopt stronger child-protection policies.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha of Fall River expressed “deep sorrow” and reiterated the diocese’s commitment to victim outreach and safety education.
The Worcester diocese said it would study the report to identify additional improvements and continue strengthening child-safety measures.
Criticism & Opposition
Advocates called for the statute of limitations to be eliminated for both civil and criminal child-sexual-abuse cases, arguing current limits prevent justice for survivors.
State Senator Joan Lovely has introduced legislation to remove the statute of limitations for civil claims; the bill remains stalled in the House.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Child count discrepancy: The Guardian and WGBH cite “nearly 1,000” victims, while NewBostonPost reports 944 children. Both figures appear in the report.
- Incomplete records: Poor record-keeping, privacy protections and victim hesitancy mean the full scope of abuse cannot be conclusively determined.
- Lack of independent oversight: No independent body was found overseeing bishops’ implementation of protection policies, leaving a gap in accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Behind every one of those numbers is a child whose safety was violated, a family that was changed forever and a survivor who carried the trauma of that abuse for years and, in many cases, decades,” — Andrea Joy Campbell
- “I am filled with sorrow over the historical account of incidents and practices reflecting the tragic failings to protect our most vulnerable, especially for the innocent victims who suffered, and continue to suffer, in so many ways,” — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha
- “They only care about lining their pockets financially.” — Mitchell Garabedian, attorney
What’s Next
Attorney General Campbell called on the dioceses to “put survivors first,” enforce restrictions on accused priests, and improve transparency. She also urged the legislature to act on the statute-of-limitations reform championed by Senator Lovely. The Worcester diocese will review the report’s recommendations, while Fall River and Springfield dioceses have indicated forthcoming statements. Legislative efforts remain pending, with the House yet to advance the proposed amendment.