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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Edward F. Sherry was ordained in 1968 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston for many years. In January 2003, a lawsuit was filed by a man who alleged that Father Sherry fondled and raped him over a period of several years beginning in approximately 1968, when the survivor was between 13 and 16 years old. The alleged abuse is said to have occurred at St. Joseph’s parish in Malden.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Father Sherry remained in active ministry until August 2003, when newly appointed Archbishop Seán Patrick O’Malley placed him on administrative leave. One or more claims were later settled with the Archdiocese in 2003. Such settlements do not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or liability. In June 2005, Father Sherry was permitted to return to active ministry at his former parish after the Archdiocesan Review Board reported that it was unable to substantiate the claims. He remained a priest until his death on March 8, 2011.
The handling of allegations within the Archdiocese has been the subject of public scrutiny for decades. For survivors, institutional responses — including decisions about leave and reinstatement — often carry lasting emotional impact.
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 clergy sexual abuse by Father Edward F. Sherry may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Archdiocese of Boston for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Archdiocese for negligent supervision and retention of clergy despite allegations of misconduct. Even though Father Sherry is deceased, civil proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records, including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations, which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to occur.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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