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Father Robert K. Towner was ordained on May 21, 1969, and served in the Archdiocese of Boston across multiple parishes and assignments. His early assignments included St. Mary’s in Brookline and St. Joseph’s in Quincy, followed by additional placements at Immaculate Conception in Revere, St. Philip Neri in Waban, Saint Mary’s in Lynn, and St. Michael’s Parish in Bedford. In addition to parish ministry, he pursued graduate studies at Boston College School of Social Work and in 1981 became Assistant Director at Family Counseling and Guidance, Inc., a role that placed him in a position of trust with individuals and families seeking professional support.
Allegations of sexual abuse spanning multiple assignments were reported to the Archdiocese of Boston in 1992 and 1993, including claims that Towner had abused at least two boys and one girl. A 2003 civil lawsuit further alleged that Towner sexually assaulted a survivor at St. Joseph’s in Quincy. Several civil lawsuits followed the initial reports, and three claims were settled in the mid-1990s for a combined total of approximately $87,000. In April 1990, at his own request, Towner was laicized. His name was included in a New Hampshire Attorney General’s report released in March 2003 and on the Archdiocese of Boston’s published list of accused clergy in August 2011, where he appears in the category of priests accused after laicization.
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 Robert K. Towner 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 an accused priest has left the priesthood, 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. In Father Towner’s case, internal archdiocesan files — including documents reflecting his assignment history, communications with church officials, and settlement records — were made public as part of legal proceedings and a New Hampshire Attorney General investigation. 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 continue.
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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