To report clergy sexual abuse in Massachusetts, contact law enforcement or, if a child may be at risk, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). You can report sexual abuse by a priest, pastor, minister, or other clergy member even if you do not have every detail or are unsure what will happen next.
Where you report may depend on whether the person harmed is a child or an adult, whether anyone is in immediate danger, and when the abuse occurred. Jenner Law can help you understand your options and prepare for the steps ahead. To learn more, talk to a clergy sexual abuse lawyer today and schedule a consultation.
Where Should You Report Clergy Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts?
You can report suspected clergy sexual abuse to local law enforcement. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. You may also contact the district attorney’s office for the county where the abuse occurred.
If a child may have been abused by a clergy member or may currently be at risk, you can make a report to DCF, Massachusetts’s child protection agency. Reporting to a church, diocese, parish, or other religious organization does not replace a report to public authorities.
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(888) 585-2188
How Do You Report Suspected Abuse of a Child?
Contact DCF to report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse involving a clergy member. You do not need to investigate or prove what happened before making a report. Share what you know about the child’s safety and be clear about anything you are unsure of.
Certain professionals are mandated reporters under Massachusetts law and have specific reporting duties. If you are a mandated reporter, follow the requirements that apply to your role rather than relying solely on an internal report to your organization.
Can You Report Clergy Sexual Abuse That Happened Years Ago?
Yes, you can contact law enforcement about clergy sexual abuse that happened years ago, including abuse you experienced as a child. A delayed report may still provide information relevant to an investigation or to the safety of others.
If you believe a child is currently at risk, tell DCF or law enforcement about that concern as well. The passage of time can affect legal options, including a potential civil claim, but you do not need to resolve questions about deadlines before speaking with an attorney. Jenner Law can help you consider your options as an adult survivor of childhood abuse.
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What Information Should You Include in a Report?
In your report, tell the agency receiving your clergy abuse report what you remember in your own words. It is okay to say that you do not know an answer or are uncertain about a date.
Information that may be helpful includes:
- The name or description of the clergy member or other person who harmed you.
- The approximate dates and locations of the abuse.
- The name of any church, parish, diocese, or other religious institution involved.
- The names of people you told or who may have relevant information.
- Any messages, correspondence, records, or other materials you still have.
You do not need to gather every item on this list before reporting. Preserve any records you already have, and avoid putting yourself in contact with the person you are reporting to obtain more information.
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Do You Have to Report the Abuse to a Religious Institution?
No. You can go directly to law enforcement or DCF without first telling a church, diocese, or other religious organization about sexual abuse by clergy. If you choose to make an internal report, consider keeping a copy of what you submit and noting when and to whom you sent it.
An institution’s response is separate from any investigation by public authorities. You may want legal advice before signing a document or agreeing to an interview requested by the institution. Jenner Law can help you consider those requests as you decide how to proceed.
What Happens After You Make a Report?
The agency receiving your report may ask follow-up questions, assess whether someone is currently at risk, or refer the information to another authority. The process depends on the circumstances, and reporting clergy sexual abuse does not guarantee a particular investigation or outcome.
You can ask the person receiving your report what may happen next, how to provide additional information, and whom to contact with questions. If you are concerned about privacy or retaliation, raise those concerns when you report and discuss them with an attorney.
How Can Jenner Law Help You Consider Your Options?
Jenner Law provides compassionate, trauma-informed representation to sexual abuse survivors, including those considering civil claims against institutions. The firm’s attorneys have 70 years of combined experience, and its lawyers and paralegals have been trained in trauma and cognitive interviewing at the Center for Hope.
Jenner Law can discuss your concerns about reporting abuse by a clergy member and help you understand your potential legal options.
Talk to Jenner Law About Reporting Clergy Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts
Deciding whether and how to report clergy sexual abuse can feel overwhelming, particularly when the person involved held a position of trust. You can learn about your options and make informed choices about your next steps.
Contact Jenner Law to discuss what happened, your concerns about reporting, and whether you may have a civil claim. You can schedule a free case review where we will listen, answer your questions, and help you consider a path forward.