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1 800 686 9921
Father Donald A. Desilets was a priest of the Diocese of Springfield who faced allegations of sexual abuse of minors. In the early 1990s, the Diocesan Misconduct Commission disciplined Desilets and barred him from public ministry after he allegedly molested two boys at Precious Blood Church in Holyoke. The Diocese of Springfield has included Desilets on its list of credibly accused clergy, most recently in its expanded June 2021 disclosure.
Despite the Commission’s findings, Desilets was permitted to retire and join the Sulpician Fathers in Montreal, Canada — an order dedicated to training young men for the priesthood — raising questions about whether adequate safeguards were put in place to protect those who came into contact with him. He died on April 28, 2001. One claim against Desilets was settled in 2004, and another was settled in 2008 as part of larger settlements with the Diocese of Springfield.
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.
If you were sexually abused by Father Desilets, you may have legal options available to you, including the ability to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Springfield. Civil claims may provide compensation for psychological trauma, emotional suffering, and the long-term impact of abuse, depending on the circumstances of each case.
Even decades after the abuse, survivors may be eligible to pursue civil claims against the institution that failed to protect them. Civil litigation may allow survivors to seek documentation of past misconduct, including diocesan records and personnel files, as part of the legal process — helping to establish a fuller record of institutional accountability. Prior settlements in cases involving Father Desilets demonstrate that the Diocese has previously acknowledged its responsibility to survivors in civil proceedings.
Civil remedies may also provide survivors with a measure of recognition — an acknowledgment that the harm they endured was real and serious. Legal action can support a survivor’s healing journey and help ensure that institutions implement safeguards to prevent future abuse. Civil courts offer a path to accountability that affirms justice is not limited to the criminal system.
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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