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Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Arthur T. DeMello was identified as one of 18 priests accused of sexual abuse by the Boston Herald on February 1, 2002. His name appeared again in September 2002 on a list released by the Bristol County District Attorney documenting 21 priests accused of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Fall River. Public records indicate that at least one individual reported alleged sexual abuse by DeMello, though the claim was found to be beyond the criminal statute of limitations.
In January 2021, DeMello was included on the Diocese of Fall River’s list of credibly accused priests, reflecting that church authorities found the allegations to meet the diocese’s internal threshold for credibility. These records represent an important step in acknowledging survivors’ experiences and document how sexual abuse allegations have come to light, sometimes decades after the incidents occurred.
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.
Survivors who were sexually abused by Father DeMello may be able to pursue civil remedies. Depending on when the abuse occurred and applicable state law, civil claims may still be viable. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and help determine whether a civil case may be possible.
Through civil litigation, survivors may be able to seek compensation for emotional trauma, psychological harm, and the lasting disruptions that abuse can cause to personal and family life. Civil proceedings can also compel the diocese to answer questions about DeMello’s assignments and what institutional officials knew during his years of ministry — holding the institution, not just the individual, accountable.
Civil cases involve gathering evidence, including survivor testimony and institutional records, to establish responsibility and negligence on the part of the diocese. Even when cases resolve through settlement rather than a court judgment, the process can provide survivors with a measure of recognition and, in some cases, financial support for ongoing therapy and recovery.
Legal action may allow survivors to ensure that what they experienced is formally documented and does not go unaddressed. It can be a meaningful step toward reclaiming a sense of control — and toward holding institutions accountable for the safety of those in their care.
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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