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Father Robert A. Ward served in the Archdiocese of Boston and later became the subject of serious allegations and concerns regarding misconduct. According to internal church records, archdiocesan officials were aware as early as 1995 that Father Ward had struggled with cocaine use and had undergone treatment related to that issue.
In June 1999, a computer technician discovered child pornography on Father Ward’s computer while attempting to repair it. According to a contemporaneous internal memo, Father Ward denied downloading such material recently but acknowledged having done so in the past. Following this discovery, he was evaluated and placed on health leave, and was subsequently removed as pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Whitman and barred from working with minors. The archdiocese’s sexual abuse review board noted that because the misconduct involved child pornography rather than direct contact, there was no identified victim, and recommended that Father Ward be re-evaluated. Cardinal Law then ended Father Ward’s health leave and appointed him as a development officer for special projects.
In January 2001, Father Ward was assigned to the archdiocese’s development office. Then, in February 2002, a man came forward alleging that Father Ward had sexually abused him as an altar boy in the mid-1970s while Father Ward was serving as an associate pastor at Our Lady of the Presentation Parish in Brighton. Following this allegation, Father Ward was suspended from ministry. He subsequently sought voluntary laicization, which was completed in 2004. His name was also included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s list of accused clergy published in August 2011.
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 clergy sexual abuse by Father Robert A. Ward 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. The archdiocese’s own internal records suggest that officials were aware of Father Ward’s conduct years before a survivor came forward with an allegation of direct abuse — a pattern that civil litigation may be positioned to examine.
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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