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1 800 686 9921
Father Gerard V. Dever was accused of repeatedly engaging in sexual misconduct with young girls while assigned to St. Ann’s Elementary School in Wollaston. Between 1993 and 1996, at least eight girls reported that Dever touched their breasts and played with their clothing. Despite multiple complaints and significant unrest among parishioners, Father Dever was permitted to remain in ministry without suspension. A review board recommended that he continue therapy, but no suspension or formal removal was imposed before his death in 1997.
The Archdiocese of Boston’s 2011 clergy list reported that no formal determination of guilt was made in Dever’s case because he died before a canonical investigation could be completed. These circumstances reflect the broader challenges survivors faced in seeking recognition and protection, and underscore the limitations of the Church’s internal accountability processes.
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.
The complaints against Father Dever — involving the repeated touching of young girls’ breasts and manipulation of their clothing — reflect a documented pattern of sexual misconduct that should have triggered his immediate removal from any setting involving children. Instead, he was allowed to remain at St. Ann’s with continued access to students.
The absence of a formal canonical determination does not preclude civil claims — civil litigation operates under a different and independent legal standard. Survivors may still have the ability to pursue claims in civil court regardless of how or whether the Church’s internal process concluded.
Survivors of Father Dever’s sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil remedies to seek acknowledgment of the harm they endured and potentially obtain financial compensation for the lasting emotional and psychological impact of that harm. Civil courts provide a structured process to document abuse, develop evidence of institutional negligence, and seek to hold the Archdiocese accountable for its alleged failure to prevent continued misconduct.
Even though Father Dever passed away before formal proceedings could take place, the civil process may provide a means of addressing the long-term consequences of sexual abuse — including trauma-related medical and mental health treatment and disrupted personal development. Survivors may be able to use legal discovery to access personnel files, prior complaints, and other evidence supporting their claims. Through civil litigation, survivors have the opportunity to reclaim their voice, validate their experiences, and contribute to broader institutional accountability — helping to promote safer environments for children in religious institutions.
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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