Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual Assault in Massachusetts

Sexual assault is a serious and widespread problem in Massachusetts, affecting thousands of children and adults every year. Survivors come from every background and community.

Many never report what happened, meaning the true scope of this issue is even greater than the data shows.

Find out more about sexual assault in Massachusetts: 

• Around 22% of women and 7% of men aged 18 to 59 in MA have reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & Security.
• Among reported incidents of sexual violence, the average victim age is 24.
• Around 96% of survivors are female, based on statewide reporting data.
• 62% of abusers are known by survivors, oftentimes friends, family members, mentors, coaches, and teachers.
• In 2023, over 5,100 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in Massachusetts, according to the National Children’s Alliance.

Survivors may be able to file civil sexual abuse lawsuits against both their abuser and any institution that enabled the abuse. Compensation from a lawsuit can help pay for therapy, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

At Sokolove Law, we’ve secured meaningful results for survivors in Massachusetts — and our team is prepared to put our decades of experience to work for you.

What Is Considered Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts?

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or sexual orientation. Survivors or their loved ones may be able to take legal action against those responsible for their suffering.

In Massachusetts, sexual abuse may involve: 

• Any sexual contact with a minor
• Pressuring or forcing someone into sexual acts through threats, coercion, or manipulation
• Nonconsensual sexual intercourse or penetration, including when someone is incapacitated or unable to give consent due to drugs or alcohol
• Unwanted sexual touching, groping, or other indecent contact

Abuse doesn’t always involve physical force. Many cases stem from manipulation, grooming, or abuse of power, like sexual misconduct involving a teacher, coach, clergy member, doctor, or employer.

Even if the abuse happened years ago, Massachusetts law may still allow survivors to pursue justice by filing a civil lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Massachusetts

The statute of limitations on sexual assault in Massachusetts is a law that determines how long you have to take legal action for the harm you suffered.

The time limit for taking legal action begins when a child turns 18. From there, they have 35 years or until the age of 53 to file a lawsuit.

It can take years to process childhood sexual abuse and find the courage to speak up. Massachusetts recognizes this, which is why survivors are given these extended timeframes.

There is no deadline for civil lawsuits involving minors and federal offenses, like sex trafficking or the creation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). For adult survivors, Massachusetts sexual abuse lawsuits must generally be filed within 3 years of the assault.

Institutions in Massachusetts & Sexual Abuse

Across the state of Massachusetts, various institutions have been accused of enabling abusers and failing to protect those in their care.

When sexual abuse occurs in these settings, organizations may try to cover up the abuse in order to protect their image — often at the expense of survivors.

Institutions and organizations linked to sexual abuse allegations include: 

• Boarding schools
• Boy Scouts of America
• Cruise ships and airlines
• Dating apps 
• Foster homes
• Hospitals and medical professionals
• Hotels and motels
• Juvenile detention centers
• Nursing homes
• Online gaming platforms like Roblox
• Police officers
• Public schools and colleges
• Religious institutions
• Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft
• Spas and resorts
• Summer camps
• Troubled teen industry programs

At Sokolove Law, our Massachusetts sexual assault lawyers have the resources and experience needed to hold powerful institutions accountable for their failures.

We’re committed not only to pursuing justice for survivors, but also to driving meaningful change that helps protect others in the future. Find out more about some of the institutions in Massachusetts accused of sexual abuse.

Massachusetts Boarding Schools & Sexual Abuse

Several elite boarding schools in Massachusetts have employed staff accused of sexually abusing students.

Boarding schools can present unique risks, as students often live on campus, spend extended time alone with adults, and may be separated from parents or other trusted caregivers.

Massachusetts boarding schools facing sexual abuse allegations include:

• Concord Academy
• Deerfield Academy
• Groton School
• Milton Academy
• Miss Hall’s
• Phillips Academy

This is not a complete list. Additional schools across Massachusetts have faced similar allegations, and many survivors are still coming forward.

In civil lawsuits, schools may be held responsible if they knew or should have known about abuse yet failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

Boy Scouts Abuse in Massachusetts

Nearly 200 Boy Scout leaders in Massachusetts were included in the organization’s “perversion files,” which tracked allegations of sexual abuse.

The list of Boy Scout leaders accused of abuse in Massachusetts​ includes:

• Edward C. Brown of Worcester
• Paul Hightower of South Boston and Dorchester
• David Kress, who assaulted boys during scouting trips in MA
• Donn Krugar of East Pepperell
• Andrew J. Meyers of Whitinsville
• Daniel Moore of Boylston
• Matthew Murphy of Whitman

After facing thousands of sexual abuse accusations and filing for bankruptcy, the Boy Scouts of America established a $2.46 Billion settlement fund for survivors.

List of Priests Accused of Abuse in Massachusetts

Various religious institutions in Massachusetts have been involved in sexual abuse scandals, including over 100 Catholic priests throughout the state.

Priests accused of abuse in Massachusetts include: 

• John Geoghan, a convicted pedophile who served at multiple parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston between 1962 and 1993
• Richard Lavigne, who worked in Springfield and Shelburne Falls from 1967 until his arrest in 1991
• James Porter, who served as a priest in the 1960s and 70s at parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese
• Paul Shanley, a former Boston priest who spent 12 years in prison for abusing a boy in the 1980s

The widespread nature of Massachusetts clergy abuse first came into the spotlight in 2002, when an investigation by The Boston Globe exposed systemic failures within the Archdiocese of Boston to protect children and hold abusers accountable.

Lawsuits allege church officials often moved accused priests to different parishes instead of removing them from ministry, allowing the abuse to continue and shielding clergy members from accountability.

Massachusetts Doctors Accused of Sexual Abuse

Hundreds of patients have filed lawsuits against doctors and other medical professionals in Massachusetts after allegedly being sexually abused under the guise of medical care.

In many of these cases, survivors didn’t immediately realize that what they were experiencing constituted sexual abuse.

Medical professionals in Massachusetts accused of abuse include:

• Dr. Derrick Todd, a Boston-area rheumatologist
• Dr. Richard Kauff, a pediatrician in Norwell
• Damien Knighton, a medical assistant at Mass General Hospital

Hospitals and health care institutions have been accused of failing to adequately respond to patient complaints or implement the safeguards needed to protect patients from harm.

Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Settlements & Verdicts

Survivors may be awarded compensation from an out-of-court settlement or trial verdict. Compensation from a sex abuse lawsuit has allowed many survivors to take control of their lives and address the lasting impact of abuse.

Massachusetts sexual abuse settlements and verdicts include: 

• $85 Million to settle cases of sexual abuse involving the Boston Archdiocese and Catholic priests
• $7 Million for former foster children who sued the state’s Department of Children and Families after they were abused in a home
• $4.5 Million to 59 survivors of sexual abuse involving clergy and staff at the Diocese of Springfield
• $450,000 for Chicopee tenants who were sexually harassed and assaulted by their landlord
• $1 Million to 8 survivors who were abused by priests in Lawrence and Reading
• $2.1 Million for clergy sexual abuse claims involving the Diocese of Worcester
• $5.2 Million to boys who were sexually abused by a coach and Jesuit priest working at Boston College High School in Dorchester

While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our Massachusetts sexual assault lawyers are prepared to fight hard for everything you’re entitled to.

What a Massachusetts Sexual Assault Lawyer Does for You

If you choose to file a civil lawsuit against your abuser or the institution that failed to protect you, you won’t have to navigate the justice system alone.

Our compassionate, knowledgeable team can guide you through every step of the process and handle the legal work for you, so you can focus on healing.

Our sex abuse lawyers in Massachusetts can:

• Determine your eligibility to take legal action during a free case review
• Gather evidence to build a strong case, like witness statements, medical records, and police reports — even if the abuse took place decades ago
• File a lawsuit on your behalf in the correct court before any deadlines
• Negotiate a sexual abuse settlement with the defendant(s) or fight for you in court if needed

By working with our Massachusetts sexual assault attorneys, you can get help seeking compensation and holding those responsible for your abuse accountable. We’re here to support you, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Find a Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Attorney Near You

At Sokolove Law, our Massachusetts sexual abuse attorneys stand with survivors. If you were sexually assaulted, we’re here to help you take control of your legal options and seek accountability — even if the abuse happened decades ago.

Find out why families put their trust in Sokolove Law:

• Founded in Massachusetts over 45 years ago
• Countless positive reviews from past clients
• No upfront costs or hourly fees
• More than $10.1 Billion total secured for families

Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Massachusetts Sexual Assault Lawyer FAQs