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1 800 686 9921
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1 800 686 9921
Father Joseph P. Fox was a Jesuit priest assigned to Bobola House in Boston from 1948 to 1957. In 2012, a sexual abuse allegation was reported to the Jesuits Northeast Province stating that Fox had sexually abused a minor between 1956 and 1957 while serving at that assignment. Following review, the Jesuits Northeast Province publicly named Father Fox on January 15, 2019 as a credibly accused member of the clergy — a determination reflecting a formal finding that the allegation was more likely true than not based on the available evidence.
Father Fox died on August 10, 1988 — more than two decades before the allegation was reported. Because he had already died by the time the report was made, criminal prosecution was not possible. The Jesuit Province’s public listing nonetheless formally documents the credible nature of this allegation and his history of ministry assignments.
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 face distinct challenges when the accused priest has died, but civil legal options may still be available for those seeking acknowledgment and accountability.
The fact that this allegation was reported in 2012 — 24 years after Fox’s death — reflects a reality common to childhood sexual abuse: survivors often carry the weight of what happened to them for many years before they are able to come forward. Depending on the circumstances of their experience, survivors may have civil claims against religious institutions for negligent supervision, failure to protect minors, or institutional concealment.
The death of an accused priest does not necessarily shield the institution from accountability. Civil litigation may allow survivors to seek recognition of the harm they experienced, pursue financial compensation, and bring institutional failures into public view.
Legal action can also serve a broader purpose — fostering transparency about the scope of abuse and the responses of Church authorities over time. For many survivors, pursuing a civil claim is not only a path toward personal redress but also a contribution to the protection of those still under institutional care.
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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