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Father H. Stanley Barney served as a priest within the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. His name appeared on the list of 21 priests investigated for sexual misconduct published by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office on September 27, 2002. Reports indicate that there was one known victim associated with the investigation. Barney was not prosecuted due to the expiration of the Massachusetts statute of limitations. At some point during or following the investigation, his faculties were removed by the Diocese of Fall River.
In January 2021, the diocese formally included Father Barney on its list of clergy with credible allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor, following a comprehensive multi-year review of diocesan records. His inclusion on both the District Attorney’s investigative list and the diocese’s credible-allegation list reflects institutional recognition of the seriousness of the allegations against him. Survivors who had contact with Father H. Stanley Barney, during his time in ministry within the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, 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 H. Stanley Barney’s case reflects a pattern that appeared frequently in the Diocese of Fall River and across Massachusetts: allegations of sexual abuse were investigated by civil authorities, but prosecution was blocked by the statute of limitations, leaving survivors without a criminal remedy. The criminal system’s inability to act does not, however, foreclose all paths to justice. Civil law operates under different rules, and in some circumstances, the standards for filing and maintaining a civil claim are more accommodating to survivors who come forward after a significant time has passed.
The Diocese of Fall River’s January 2021 credibly accused list, which named Father H. Stanley Barney was the product of a multi-year review process that combed through nearly 70 years of diocesan records. That institutional acknowledgment, though long overdue, is meaningful. It confirms that the diocese itself recognized the credibility of the allegations against him, a finding that may be relevant in civil proceedings where the institutional response to known misconduct is at issue.
Survivors who were abused by Father H. Stanley Barney, or who know of others who may have been, are encouraged to come forward. Understanding one’s legal options, even years after the fact, is an important step in the journey toward accountability and healing. Civil courts may provide a forum where survivors’ experiences can be heard and, in appropriate circumstances, compensated.
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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