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1 800 686 9921
Father Rickard J. O’Donovan served in the Archdiocese of Boston for many years. Born in Ireland and later raised in the Boston area, he ministered in Massachusetts parishes throughout his priesthood. O’Donovan died in August 2000 at the age of 77.
Years after his death, an allegation surfaced that he had sexually abused a minor. The claim involved the repeated abuse of a boy, ages nine to eleven, which reportedly occurred on approximately twenty occasions inside the rectory of St. Colman’s Church in Brockton, Massachusetts, where O’Donovan had served.
Because Father O’Donovan had passed away before the allegation emerged, the Archdiocese reported that it could not formally substantiate the claim through internal review procedures. Despite this, a civil settlement was announced in April 2012 — suggesting that legal avenues may be available to survivors even when the accused is no longer living. Massachusetts law may provide avenues for civil claims, which can offer recognition, potential compensation, and acknowledgment of the harm survivors have endured, even many years after the abuse occurred.
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.
Allegations involving Father Rickard J. O’Donovan reflect the profound and lasting impact that childhood sexual abuse can have on survivors — often felt for decades after the abuse occurred. Survivors may experience long-lasting emotional, psychological, and relational effects that shape their adult lives. Civil litigation allows survivors to seek acknowledgment of their experiences while also examining the institutional decisions that may have contributed to or enabled abuse.
In clergy abuse cases, civil claims may consider not only individual conduct but also the institutional context — including whether warning signs were ignored and whether adequate safeguards were in place to protect minors. Massachusetts law recognizes that survivors may not come forward until many years after the abuse, and delayed disclosure does not necessarily preclude legal action. Civil claims may offer financial compensation and can serve as a form of formal recognition — providing survivors with a sense of accountability and validation, even when settlements do not include an admission of guilt.
For many survivors, pursuing civil action also serves a broader purpose: holding institutions accountable, ensuring transparency, and contributing to systemic change that protects future generations. Legal recognition can affirm the experiences of survivors and send a clear message that abuse should not go unaddressed.
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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