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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father John A. Gomes served in the Diocese of Fall River in several ministerial roles, including parish priest, hospital chaplain, and CYO director. He retired from active ministry in 2012 after decades of service across diocesan communities.
In August 2022, the Diocese of Fall River publicly added Gomes to its list of credibly accused clergy. The designation concerned allegations of sexual abuse that the diocese determined to have occurred decades earlier. Following a review process that included suspension from ministry, notification of civil authorities, an internal investigation, and consultation with the Ministerial Review Board, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha determined that the sexual abuse allegations were credible. Gomes’s ministerial faculties were subsequently restricted.
Under diocesan policy, a sexual abuse allegation is considered credible when it meets a “semblance of truth” standard under canon law — a threshold approximating probable cause. Public disclosure serves as institutional acknowledgment of reported harm and provides transparency for affected communities.
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 alleged abuse by Father John A. Gomes deserve acknowledgment and may have the opportunity to seek justice through civil litigation. The Diocese of Fall River’s decision to include Gomes on its credibly accused list represents a significant step toward institutional accountability and may provide meaningful validation for survivors who came forward.
Massachusetts law may allow survivors to pursue civil claims against dioceses on theories such as negligent supervision, failure to protect minors, or enabling abuse through concealment. Even when alleged abuse occurred decades in the past and the accused priest has since retired, survivors may still be able to hold institutions accountable for their failures. An attorney may be able to evaluate whether such claims may be available based on your specific circumstances.
For those who may have experienced abuse by Father Gomes, pursuing a civil claim can be a means of seeking answers, demanding transparency, and having their experiences acknowledged in a formal legal proceeding. The potential compensation that may be available through civil litigation reflects the serious and lasting harm caused by clergy abuse — and a recognition that survivors’ accounts deserve to be heard.
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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