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1 800 686 9921
Father Donald V. Dube was a Roman Catholic priest ordained in 1961 who served in numerous parishes throughout the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts for more than three decades. Allegations later surfaced that Father Donald V. Dube sexually abused minors while serving in the diocese, leading to his removal from parish ministry in 1994 and, in 2002, the imposition of further restrictions prohibiting him from performing any priestly duties, in accordance with zero-tolerance guidelines adopted by U.S. bishops.
After his death in 2003, a civil lawsuit was filed against his estate alleging that he abused a boy who served as an altar server in the late 1970s and early 1980s. One claimant’s civil claims were resolved as part of a broader diocesan settlement in 2004 involving 45 survivors and multiple priests.
Father Donald V. Dube has since been included on the Diocese of Springfield’s list of clergy against whom allegations of sexual abuse of a minor were determined to be credible. Because the allegations were received after his death, the diocese notes that no formal determination of guilt was made, as he did not have the opportunity to respond. The diocese’s credibility finding reflects that there was reasonable cause to believe the abuse occurred, and the listing reflects more than one such credible allegation arising from his assignments in the diocese.
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 allege abuse by Father Donald V. Dube may be able to pursue civil claims in connection with his tenure in the Diocese of Springfield. His removal from parish ministry in 1994, following a recommendation by the diocese’s Misconduct Commission, and the further restrictions imposed on him in 2002 under zero-tolerance guidelines, raise questions about what diocesan officials may have known, when they knew it, and what steps were taken to protect minors during his more than three decades of parish assignments.
Civil litigation may provide survivors with tools to seek access to internal records, personnel files, and communications that could help clarify the timeline of the diocese’s knowledge and the institutional decisions that followed. The 2004 diocesan settlement, which resolved claims brought by 45 survivors against multiple priests — including Father Donald V. Dube — underscores the significant scope of clergy abuse litigation that has been pursued against this diocese.
Civil claims may provide survivors with compensation for harm and treatment costs, and may also create a formal record that acknowledges their experiences. The diocese’s inclusion of Father Donald V. Dube on its credibly accused list reflects that the allegations against him met its internal credibility standard. Civil litigation may provide a mechanism for survivors to pursue a fuller measure of accountability that institutional disclosure alone cannot deliver.
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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