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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
The name Roy Jenness, accused Springfield Priest, appears in multiple reports describing sexual abuse across parishes, church camps, and youth events in Massachusetts. Survivors have shared painful experiences of betrayal and manipulation by someone they trusted. Massachusetts law now recognizes these challenges and allows survivors to seek justice, even decades later.
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.
Father Joseph Roy Jenness served in the Diocese of Springfield from 1956 until his death in 1988. He reportedly had access to minors for more than three decades, from 1957 through the mid-1970s, during parish work, rectory duties, and church-run programs. Allegations describe extensive abuse involving alcohol, pornography, and manipulation at rectories, summer camps, and Boy Scout gatherings. Survivors later revealed he exploited his authority to gain control over vulnerable children.
Civil suits filed in 2003 and 2004 revealed a pattern of coordinated sexual abuse involving multiple priests. Victims reported that Roy Jenness participated in group settings where other clergy were also accused of misconduct. Four brothers alleged years of sexual abuse between 1967 and 1983. Their claims resulted in multiple settlements, including a $7.5 million resolution in 2004 and another $4.5 million settlement in 2008. In 2021, the Diocese added his name to its list of credibly accused clergy, publicly acknowledging decades of institutional failure to protect children.
For many survivors, these public admissions marked a powerful step toward truth and healing. Speaking out about such trauma requires immense courage. Each survivor who shares their experience not only reclaims their voice but also helps protect future generations by holding institutions accountable for negligence and silence.
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.
Client Reviews
Herman law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable. I am forever grateful and can now live a life enveloped in healing and hope. Thank you Herman law family. Love you guys!!
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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