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Father Gary E. Balcom served within the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts. A 1993 lawsuit accused him of sexually abusing an altar boy during the 1970s, with allegations including showering with the child, fondling him, providing him with alcohol, and threatening him. In the course of subsequent proceedings, Father Gary E. Balcom admitted to sexually abusing eight or nine children. He was placed on sick leave in 1985 and had his priestly privileges removed in 1992. He voluntarily sought laicization, which was granted in April 1998. He died in October 2002.
The Archdiocese of Boston’s 2011 list of accused clergy includes Father Gary E. Balcom, noting that his case was concluded canonically. The combination of his own admissions and the canonical conclusion of his case places his conduct among the most clearly documented instances of clergy sexual abuse within the Boston Archdiocese. Survivors who were abused by Father Gary E. Balcom, or who witnessed the abuse of others in his presence, are encouraged to come forward when they’re ready.
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.
Father Gary E. Balcom’s own admissions make his case one of the more clearly documented examples of clergy sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Boston. His acknowledgment that he had abused multiple children, combined with a canonical conclusion to his case, represents a level of accountability that many survivors across Massachusetts have never received. Yet for the individuals he harmed, formal admissions and institutional acknowledgment do not undo the lasting damage caused by the abuse.
The Archdiocese of Boston was aware of concerns regarding Father Gary E. Balcom as early as his placement on sick leave in 1985. His priestly privileges were not removed until 1992, seven years later, and laicization did not occur until 1998. This timeline raises serious questions about the institutional response and whether adequate steps were taken to prevent ongoing harm during the years he remained connected to the church in various capacities.
Survivors of Father Gary E. Balcom’s sexual abuse, or of similar misconduct within the Archdiocese of Boston, may be entitled to pursue civil claims for damages. Even when a priest is deceased, civil proceedings may be directed at the institution that employed him, supervised his ministry, and ultimately shared responsibility for ensuring the safety of those in its care.
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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