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1 800 686 9921
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1 800 686 9921
Father Michael J. Kossak, a Jesuit priest ordained in 1987, has been publicly accused of sexually abusing students dating back to approximately 1980, including during his assignment at Boston College High School in 1988–1989.
Following a 1989 investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Social Services into an allegation of sexual misconduct at Boston College High School, Kossak left that assignment and later served in other parishes and ministries. Kossak was dismissed from the Society of Jesus on August 30, 2003, following allegations that had become public in March 2002.
The Jesuits West Province determined the claims against him were credible, and the Diocese of Fall River subsequently included him on its 2021 list of publicly accused clergy, drawing on the Jesuits’ provincial records.
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 Michael J. Kossak may be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Fall River and the Society of Jesus related to alleged institutional failures in supervising his ministry and responding to allegations against him. The 1989 Massachusetts Department of Social Services investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct at Boston College High School reflects that concerns about his conduct were raised and investigated during his active ministry; despite this, he continued in subsequent assignments. His dismissal from the Society of Jesus in 2003 followed allegations that had become public in March 2002.
Civil litigation may examine what the Society of Jesus and the Diocese of Fall River knew about the 1989 investigation and the concerns it raised, what supervision was provided during his subsequent assignments, and what institutional decisions were made at each stage of his ministry following the initial investigation. Both the Society of Jesus and the Diocese of Fall River have placed his name in institutional records documenting allegations of abuse against him.
For survivors, civil proceedings may allow recovery of compensation for therapy costs, emotional distress, and long-term psychological harm, while also creating a formal record of the respective supervisory responsibilities of both the Society of Jesus and the Diocese of Fall River across the full timeline of Kossak’s ministry and the institutional responses to allegations about his conduct.
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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