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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Brother Joseph M. Martin was a Brother of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (M.I.C.M.), based at Saint Benedict Abbey in Harvard, Massachusetts, within the Diocese of Worcester. He died on December 29, 2013, at the age of 86.
In 2017, a man reported to the Order that Brother Martin had raped him as a boy during the 1970s. In July 2018, the man filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Abbot Francis X. Connelly knew Brother Martin had admitted the abuse to police in 2013 but did not inform the survivor of that admission. According to the complaint, a monsignor in California contacted law enforcement after the survivor confided in him.
The lawsuit also alleged that the Abbot initially offered to assist with the survivor’s medical expenses but later withdrew that offer, citing the cost of the care needed. These allegations concern not only individual conduct but also the institutional response by abbey leadership following the survivor’s disclosure.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
When allegations involve members of religious communities, civil litigation may address both the conduct of the individual accused and the actions of leadership within the institution. Survivors may experience additional harm when they learn that admissions or internal knowledge were not communicated to them.
Civil court provides a forum independent of religious authorities. In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil claims against individuals and institutions responsible for supervision and care. Courts may examine whether leadership had knowledge of misconduct, whether appropriate action was taken following disclosure, and whether commitments made to survivors were honored.
Even when the accused has died, civil claims may proceed against the institution. Civil proceedings apply independent evidentiary standards and are not limited to or governed by internal church processes. Evidence that admissions were made to law enforcement may also be relevant in evaluating institutional accountability.
Massachusetts law recognizes that disclosure of childhood sexual abuse is often delayed. Survivors may come forward many years after the abuse occurred, particularly after learning that others may have been harmed. Civil remedies may remain available depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
For many survivors, civil proceedings offer more than financial compensation. They may provide acknowledgment, documentation of harm, and an opportunity for institutional transparency — a structured path toward accountability and recognition.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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