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Father William Edward Francis Allen was publicly named as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor by the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts in 2021—with one known allegation dating to 1943. Allen left the Diocese of Springfield in 1954 and by 1955 had relocated to a parish in Cottonport, Louisiana, where he became director of Don Bosco Boys’ Home. By 1968 he was in Shreveport, and the 1979 Official Catholic Directory listed him as on duty outside the diocese in Miami Beach, Florida.
Decades after the alleged sexual abuse occurred, the Diocese of Springfield publicly acknowledged the credible accusation by including him on its official list of credibly accused clergy.
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 William Edward Francis Allen may be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Springfield despite Allen having died in 1998 and the known allegation dating to 1943. Massachusetts law may allow survivors to seek accountability from religious institutions responsible for supervising clergy and protecting minors.
Civil litigation may build on that acknowledgment by compelling the Diocese to produce internal records and personnel files that may clarify what officials knew about Allen’s conduct during his years in Springfield and what actions preceded his departure from the diocese in 1954.
Through civil claims, survivors may seek compensation for therapy, long-term psychological harm, and emotional distress, while also establishing a formal record that validates their experiences. Holding the Diocese accountable through civil proceedings may provide an opportunity for institutional responsibility for historical abuse to be more fully examined, regardless of how much time has passed.
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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