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Father Bernard R. Reilley served within the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he has been alleged to have committed the sexual abuse of a young child. In December 2004, a woman filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Reilley sexually assaulted her for several years during the 1950s, beginning when she was two years old and continuing until she was eight.
Reilley died in 1990, fourteen years before the lawsuit was filed. As of February 15, 2006, the case remained pending. Because Reilley had died prior to the filing, any civil action would have proceeded against his estate, the Diocese, or both — though the specific defendants are not identified in publicly available records. The outcome of that litigation has not been publicly disclosed. Individuals who believe they may have been abused by Father Reilley are encouraged to contact an attorney to explore their legal options.
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.
For those who experienced abuse as very young children, the path to seeking justice is often complicated by the passage of time and the nature of childhood memory. A two-year-old may lack the vocabulary to articulate their experiences, the understanding to recognize that those experiences are wrong, and the ability to seek assistance. The alleged abuse in this case spans approximately six years — from the time the victim was two years old until she was eight — suggesting that, if the allegations are accurate, the abuse continued with prolonged regularity throughout a critical period of the child’s development.
In cases involving clergy abuse of very young children, it is common for abuse to persist in part because the child cannot report what is happening and adults in proximity may not recognize the warning signs. Civil litigation offers a meaningful avenue for those who have been harmed to have their experiences formally acknowledged and to hold institutions or individuals accountable for any failure to protect vulnerable children.
Even when a priest has died, civil legal action may still be available and may provide individuals with formal acknowledgment, a measure of closure, and, in some cases, financial compensation. These outcomes can validate what survivors have experienced and offer accountability when criminal or canonical avenues are no longer possible. If you or someone you know may have been abused by Father Reilley, you may be able to pursue a civil claim — an attorney experienced in clergy abuse litigation can help you understand your options.
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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