If You Were Sexually Abused as a Child in Rhode Island, You May Still Have Legal Options
For decades, children in Rhode Island were sexually abused by individuals connected to trusted institutions including churches, schools, youth organizations, and other entities that were supposed to protect them.
Many survivors never came forward when they were younger. Others believed too much time had passed to pursue justice. That is common in childhood sexual abuse cases.
Merson Law represents survivors in institutional sexual abuse cases involving allegations of abuse, concealment, negligence, and institutional failure.
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Why Many Survivors Come Forward Years Later
One of the most misunderstood aspects of childhood sexual abuse is delayed disclosure.
Many survivors do not report abuse until years or even decades later. Some struggle to process what happened until adulthood. Others fear retaliation, shame, disbelief, family pressure, religious pressure, or emotional consequences tied to the abuse.
In institutional abuse cases, survivors are often dealing not only with the trauma of the abuse itself, but also with the betrayal of organizations they trusted.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General investigation into clergy abuse, many survivors experienced long term trauma including depression, anxiety, addiction, post traumatic stress, suicidal thoughts, relationship difficulties, and lifelong emotional harm.
You are not alone if you did not come forward earlier.
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Background Information
A major Rhode Island Attorney General investigation documented allegations involving clergy abuse and institutional failures connected to the Diocese of Providence.
The report identified:
More than 300 documented victims
75 credibly accused clergy members
Allegations spanning decades
Institutional concealment and transfers of accused clergy
Failures to adequately report allegations or protect children
The report also identified geographic concentration areas and institutions where accused clergy served throughout Rhode Island.
These included locations in:
Providence
Cranston
Woonsocket
Pawtucket
West Warwick
East Providence
The report further identified institutions and churches where multiple accused clergy served over time.
Merson Law is investigating claims involving institutional sexual abuse in Rhode Island, including allegations connected to:
Catholic churches
Religious institutions
Schools and educational institutions
Youth organizations
Boarding schools
Foster care related organizations
Clergy abuse allegations
Institutions accused of concealment or enabling abuse
The Rhode Island Attorney General report identified numerous institutions and locations connected to allegations and accused clergy assignments, including:
St. Mary’s Church in Cranston
Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence
Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Providence
Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick
SS. Peter and Paul Church in West Warwick
St. Agatha Church in Woonsocket
St. Agnes Church in Providence
St. Ann Church in Providence
St. Brendan Church in East Providence
St. Joseph Church in Woonsocket
St. Lawrence Church in North Providence
St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket
St. Matthew Church in Cranston
St. Vincent de Paul Church in Coventry
The report also referenced educational institutions where accused clergy served, including:
LaSalle Academy
St. Raphael Academy
Bishop Hendricken High School
Mount Saint Charles Academy
Notre Dame High School
St. Mary Academy Bay View
University of Rhode Island
Roger Williams University
Please note that mention of an institution on this page does not constitute a finding of liability.
Merson Law is also reviewing potential claims connected to Saint Georges School in Rhode Island.
Public reporting and prior settlements involving Saint Georges School have raised serious questions regarding alleged abuse and institutional accountability.
Even where prior settlements occurred, additional survivors may still have legal rights and options.
Many survivors assume they can no longer pursue legal action because the abuse happened years ago.
That is not always true.
Rhode Island lawmakers have considered legislation involving the revival of previously expired claims related to childhood sexual abuse and institutional misconduct.
Even if you believe the statute of limitations may have expired, it is important to speak with an attorney before assuming you no longer have legal options.
Every situation is different.
Institutional sexual abuse cases often involve allegations that organizations:
Ignored warning signs
Failed to investigate complaints
Failed to report abuse
Transferred accused individuals to new locations
Allowed continued access to children
Prioritized institutional reputation over child safety
Failed to supervise employees, clergy, or volunteers
The Rhode Island Attorney General report described repeated allegations involving concealment, transfers, inadequate investigations, and failures to protect children.
Merson Law represents survivors in complex institutional sexual abuse litigation. The firm has handled high profile sexual abuse matters involving powerful institutions and organizations.
Merson Law approaches these cases with:
Trauma informed communication
Survivor centered representation
Confidential consultations
Experience handling institutional abuse cases
Strategic litigation against organizations and institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly. Rhode Island lawmakers have considered legislation involving revived claims for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. You should speak with an attorney before assuming you no longer have legal options.
You may still have legal options in certain cases involving institutional negligence, concealment, or failure to protect children.
Many survivors never formally reported the abuse when they were younger. Delayed disclosure is extremely common in childhood sexual abuse cases.
Cases may involve churches, schools, boarding schools, youth organizations, foster care organizations, religious institutions, or other entities.
Yes. Conversations with Merson Law regarding potential representation are confidential.
