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Father David M. Farland served as a priest in the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, from his ordination in 1974 until his permanent removal from public ministry in 2002. According to the Diocese, an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor — with the reported conduct occurring between 1984 and 1988 — was received in the early 1990s. Rather than disclosing the allegation publicly, diocesan officials handled the matter through internal processes. According to a diocesan spokesman, Farland’s superiors removed him from any ministry involving access to minors following the allegation. By 1994, Farland was on medical leave. His last recorded assignments were at St. Michael’s Cathedral and Mercy Hospital in Springfield.
Despite the credible allegation against him, the details of his case were not disclosed publicly until March 2006 — more than a decade after the internal action was taken. Father Farland was permanently removed from all public ministry in 2002, a status that prohibited him from exercising any priestly ministry, after U.S. bishops adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding clergy sexual abuse of minors.
The Diocese of Springfield subsequently included Father Farland’s name on its official list of credibly accused clergy, formally acknowledging that the allegation against him met the diocesan standard for credibility. The gap of more than a decade between the Diocese’s internal handling of the allegation and its public disclosure is a matter survivors and their advocates have raised in questioning the Diocese’s commitment to transparency.
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 of sexual abuse by Father David M. Farland may have civil claims available against the Diocese of Springfield related to how the allegation was handled internally and withheld from public disclosure for years. When dioceses address abuse allegations through internal processes without timely public disclosure, survivors may be denied the acknowledgment they deserve and the opportunity to seek accountability. Depending on their individual circumstances, survivors may have civil legal options available to pursue accountability outside of church processes.
Civil litigation may expose what church officials knew, when they knew it, and why the handling of abuse allegations remained internal for years. Such cases may also reveal how internal processes may have allowed accused clergy to remain in ministry settings even after credible reports were made.
Civil claims may help survivors recover costs related to the impact of abuse, including counseling, medical care, and lasting emotional harm. Beyond financial recovery, these cases may formally recognize survivors’ experiences and bring institutional failures to light. Survivors deserve to be heard and acknowledged. Institutions that may have prioritized secrecy over child protection may be held to account through the civil legal process.
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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