Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Raymond C. Plourde was ordained in 1958 and served in numerous parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston over several decades. He became the subject of abuse allegations that came to light years after the initial incidents occurred.
According to personnel records released in December 2002, Plourde admitted to initiating a sexual “relationship” with a 12-year-old boy beginning in 1976, which lasted approximately two years. A private financial settlement was reached with the victim in 1990 — prior to any formal Archdiocese involvement — reportedly in the range of $35,000 to $38,000. In 1992, the victim reported the sexual abuse to the Archdiocese and sought the return of child sexual abuse photos Plourde had taken of him, leading to Archdiocese involvement in the matter.
Following these reports, Plourde was sent for treatment and subsequently assigned to a chaplaincy at a convent, where he remained until his retirement in February 2002. In 2004, the Archdiocese formally assigned him to a life of prayer and penance — a canonical status under which no ministry is possible. In August 2011, Plourde was included on the Archdiocese’s official published list of clergy accused of sexually abusing a minor. He passed away on April 17, 2013.
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.
Civil litigation may offer survivors a structured path to confront past abuse and seek accountability from both the individual and the institution. Depending on the specific facts and applicable law, survivors may be able to pursue civil claims for sexual abuse, negligent supervision, and institutional failures that allowed harmful conduct to persist without adequate response. An attorney can help evaluate whether a claim may be available based on individual circumstances.
Through civil claims, survivors may be able to secure financial compensation and contribute to a formal record acknowledging the harm endured — and may help bring greater public attention to the institution’s role in how these matters were handled.
Legal recourse may also play a role in reinforcing systemic reforms within religious institutions by highlighting patterns of misconduct and the need for improved oversight. Beyond potential compensation, pursuing justice may provide emotional validation and help survivors have their experiences formally acknowledged — affirming that what happened to them was serious and that accountability matters.
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.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
This is an advertisement for legal services. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal outcomes depend on numerous factors, including specific facts, applicable law, opposing parties, and other circumstances. Do not take action based solely on the information in this advertisement. Every case is different. Any discussion of past results is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. No statement in this advertisement should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of results. In the absence of a recovery, no fee will be charged to you and you will not be liable for any litigation expenses.
Attorney-Client Relationship & Confidentiality
Viewing this advertisement, contacting our firm, or requesting a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed through a signed agreement with our firm. Any information shared between you and our firm before an attorney-client relationship is established is not confidential, privileged, or protected from disclosure. If you require immediate legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Responsibility for Content
This advertisement is sponsored by Herman Law Firm.
Data Collection & Tracking
This advertisement may use tracking technology and allow third parties, including Meta, to collect data from user interactions for advertising and analytics purposes. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for targeted advertising. To learn more about data collection practices and opt-out options, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN.
Call us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
Message Us 
Call Us