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Father William F. Baker served within the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, including an assignment at St. Patrick’s Church in Falmouth. He was included on the Diocese of Fall River’s official list of credibly accused clergy, published in January 2021 following a two-year review of nearly 70 years of records. That review was conducted with the assistance of former FBI leadership and an independent consulting firm. Baker’s faculties were eventually removed, and he was formally laicized in 2015.
Survivors in the Falmouth area have described Baker as having targeted girls affiliated with St. Patrick’s Church during the late 1970s and beyond. His removal from the clerical state reflected the seriousness with which church authorities ultimately came to regard the allegations against him, though many survivors note that accountability was long delayed. The Diocese of Fall River’s inclusion of Father William F. Baker on its credibly accused list acknowledges the allegations of harm that was caused during his time in ministry.
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 who were sexually abused by Father William F. Baker during his years of service in the Diocese of Fall River, particularly those connected to St. Patrick’s Church in Falmouth, may have experienced years of silence, self-doubt, and unanswered questions before the church formally acknowledged what had occurred. The Diocese of Fall River’s 2021 publication of its credibly accused list was an important step toward transparency, but formal acknowledgment from an institution does not replace the individual accountability that survivors deserve.
When a diocese is shown to have failed to act on credible reports of misconduct in a timely manner, it may share responsibility for the harm caused by priests who remained in ministry. Father William F. Baker’s eventual laicization in 2015, years after early reports of misconduct, raises important questions about what the diocese knew and when. Civil litigation may provide survivors with the ability to seek compensation for the harm they have endured, including emotional distress, psychological trauma, and other lasting consequences of abuse.
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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