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Father Paul J. Tivnan was ordained in 1963 and served in the Archdiocese of Boston across multiple parish assignments over the course of his ministry. According to personnel file records released in December 2002, Tivnan admitted to sexually abusing two boys and acknowledged what he described as a “relationship” with a fifteen-year-old boy during the late 1970s. Church records indicate one alleged abuse occurred while he was stationed at Immaculate Conception Church in Marlborough.
In 1988, a Middlesex County grand jury heard testimony from one of Tivnan’s alleged victims. Following a meeting between church officials and a county prosecutor, the district attorney’s office declined to pursue criminal charges, reportedly in part because Tivnan was undergoing treatment for sexual disorders and the alleged victim did not wish to see him imprisoned.
Tivnan was removed from active parish ministry in 1985 and sent for treatment. He subsequently returned to a series of assignments — primarily as a chaplain at hospitals and nursing homes — though restrictions on his ministry were intended to keep him away from children. In 1998, he was placed on disability leave and instructed not to have contact with minors. He retired in 2001. In 2004, he was assigned to a life of prayer and penance — a status imposed by the Church when a priest is removed from active ministry due to misconduct.
Father Paul J. Tivnan was included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 published list of clergy accused of sexual abuse of a minor, placed in the category of cases concluded canonically by assignment to a life of prayer and penance.
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 Paul J. Tivnan may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Archdiocese of Boston for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Archdiocese for negligent supervision of clergy. Even when a priest is deceased, civil proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records — including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations — which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to occur.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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