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1 800 686 9921
Father John Davitt McNamara was ordained in 1948 and served in the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. Allegations state that he sexually abused a minor between 1980 and 1981 during his ministry. At least one claim involving Father McNamara was included in a 2008 settlement with 59 plaintiffs that addressed allegations against multiple clergy members in the Diocese of Springfield.
On June 2, 2021, the Diocese of Springfield added Father McNamara’s name to its public list of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. His inclusion falls under the Diocese’s category for deceased clergy, meaning the allegations were received after his death and, as the Diocese itself notes, no formal determination of guilt was made in his case. The Diocese listed his name because the allegation was determined to meet its credibility standard — defined as reasonable cause to believe the abuse occurred.
Father McNamara died in 1990, decades before his name was publicly disclosed. For survivors, delayed public acknowledgment can reopen painful memories while also providing validation that their reports were formally recognized.
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.
When claims are included in a broader diocesan settlement, survivors may wonder what additional options remain available. Civil law operates independently from church review processes and focuses on legal responsibility rather than internal disciplinary outcomes.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil claims that examine both individual misconduct and institutional oversight. Courts may consider whether complaints were addressed appropriately, whether leadership responded in a timely manner, and whether reasonable safeguards were in place.
A settlement involving numerous plaintiffs reflects the scope of reported harm, but it does not eliminate the possibility of additional claims where permitted by law. Each survivor’s experience is distinct and may be evaluated on its own facts.
Even when an accused priest has died, legal accountability may extend to the institution responsible for supervision and placement. Civil proceedings provide a structured setting where evidence is reviewed and responsibility is assessed according to established legal standards.
For many survivors, pursuing justice through the courts may offer recognition and documentation of their experience. The civil system provides an avenue for accountability that is separate from ecclesiastical determinations.
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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