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Father Leo V. Dwyer was ordained as a priest on May 27, 1932, and served in the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts, before retiring in 1979. He died in 1989. Personnel files released publicly in 2002 and 2003 revealed that a 1993 allegation had been received claiming that Father Dwyer sexually abused a youth in 1967 and 1968 at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Hull.
According to those records, the allegation named Father Dwyer alongside two other clergy assigned to the same parish during the same period, with the complaint describing multiple instances of alleged abuse. Because Father Dwyer had died before the allegation was received by the Archdiocese, no criminal or canonical proceedings were ever initiated or completed against him.
In August 2011, the Archdiocese of Boston included Father Dwyer’s name on its published list of deceased clergy against whom allegations of sexual abuse of a minor had been received but for whom proceedings were not completed. The Archdiocese stated explicitly that there had been no formal determination of guilt in such cases, and that the listing was made in the interest of transparency.
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Survivors of sexual abuse by Father Leo V. Dwyer may be able to pursue civil claims in connection with his ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston. The Archdiocese released personnel files in 2002 and 2003 containing the allegations against him and subsequently included his name in its August 2011 published list of deceased clergy against whom allegations had been received but proceedings were not completed.
The allegation connecting Father Dwyer to abuse at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Hull in 1967 and 1968 also named two other clergy assigned to the same parish during the same period. Survivors and their counsel may contend that the involvement of multiple clergy at the same institution raises questions about what Archdiocesan officials knew about conditions at that parish during that time and what supervision, if any, was provided.
Civil litigation may provide survivors with the opportunity to seek access to internal records and personnel files related to Father Dwyer’s assignments and the institutional response to the allegations against him. For those who believe they were harmed, civil claims may offer a measure of accountability and, for some, a degree of recognition that prior proceedings did not fully address — along with the potential to seek compensation for therapy costs, emotional distress, and long-term psychological harm.
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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