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1 800 686 9921
Brother William Marinan, also known as Brother LaSalle, joined the Xaverian Brothers in 1947. Although his documented assignments were primarily in New York and Maryland, the allegation against him is reported to have occurred in Massachusetts in the early 1970s. The Xaverian Brothers publicly named him on their list of accused members in 2019. According to the order’s listing, a report was received in 2011 alleging abuse that occurred in the early 1970s in Massachusetts.
The allegation was described as unrelated to a student at a Xaverian school. Brother Marinan died in 2014, several years before the order made his name public.
A religious order’s decision to publicly name a member reflects its own internal process. Civil legal standards operate independently of such determinations. Survivors who may have had contact with Brother Marinan in Massachusetts during the early 1970s may have legal rights under state law, regardless of when a report was formally received.
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 orders, questions of oversight and institutional responsibility may extend beyond parish structures. Civil court provides a forum separate from internal order investigations for evaluating these issues.
In cases involving childhood sexual abuse, civil claims may examine both the conduct of the individual and the role of the religious community responsible for supervision. Courts may consider assignment history, policies governing contact with minors, and whether appropriate action was taken when concerns were raised.
Even if an accused individual has died, civil claims may be possible against the institution where legal grounds exist. The public naming of an accused member — even years after a report is received — may prompt additional survivors to come forward.
Courts handling childhood sexual abuse cases have long recognized that delayed disclosure is common. Survivors may come forward decades later, particularly after learning that others have reported similar experiences. In certain circumstances, civil remedies may remain available despite the passage of time.
Civil litigation may result in financial compensation, and it also creates a formal record and promotes transparency. For many survivors, acknowledgment and documentation of harm are meaningful components of seeking justice.
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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