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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father John J. Dewire was a Catholic priest ordained in 1946 who served in the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts, across multiple parish assignments spanning decades. According to public records, Dewire was named in a 2003 civil lawsuit in which a victim alleged he had raped a 10-year-old boy in 1967. The lawsuit was one of 70 filed against approximately 40 priests affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston.
Dewire died on October 28, 1994. The Archdiocese of Boston subsequently noted that no formal canonical investigation could be completed due to his death. In 2011, the plaintiff’s attorney announced that all claims in that case — including those involving Dewire — had been settled.
The Archdiocese of Boston has been the subject of extensive reporting and legal action concerning historical clergy sexual abuse, with numerous priests named in civil claims and the institution’s oversight practices widely scrutinized.
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 sexual abuse by Father John J. Dewire deserve acknowledgment of the profound harm they endured. Their experiences of betrayal, trauma, and long-term emotional suffering are valid, and they deserve to be heard.
While criminal prosecution may be unavailable due to barriers common in historical clergy sexual abuse cases, civil litigation may offer survivors a path to pursue meaningful redress, depending on the circumstances of their case.
In civil courts, survivors of clergy sexual abuse may be able to bring claims against not only the individual priest but also the religious institution — such as the diocese or other church entity — that employed or oversaw him. Civil cases operate under a different evidentiary standard than criminal proceedings, focusing on institutional negligence rather than proof of criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Many states, including Massachusetts, recognize a special duty of care owed by institutions to protect minors in their charge from foreseeable harm. Civil litigation can provide compensation for emotional distress, psychological injury, and lost opportunities, offering tangible support for healing. It may also give survivors a voice in court, a measure of control over their own narrative, and formal recognition of what they experienced.
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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