The Catholic Church has been grappling with sexual abuse claims for decades. Allegations continue to surface, and Phillips Law Group is pursuing Rhode Island clergy sexual assault lawsuits.
Contact an attorney if you experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a priest, nun, deacon, or anyone else affiliated with a church or religious organization. Money from a lawsuit cannot repair the damage done, but holding the wrongdoers accountable can help you come to terms with what happened and move forward.
Allegations of sexual abuse by priests and teachers in Catholic schools and churches date back decades. Investigations reveal a long-standing policy of protecting and reassigning clergy accused of sex abuse, including instances of predator priests being transferred to other positions where they continued to have contact with children and vulnerable adults.
Multiple priests and deacons who served in the diocese have been indicted on criminal charges relating to child sex abuse and some have been convicted and sentenced to prison. As of 2025, the diocese has released the names of more than 50 priests who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct. The diocese has paid over $30 million to settle claims of sexual abuse but new allegations continue to emerge, and survivors are filing new claims.
Phillips Law Group attorneys are actively investigating new cases of sexual assault by clergy in Rhode Island. Survivors who experienced sexual abuse by someone affiliated with the Providence diocese or any other religious organization can seek compensation by filing a legal claim.
Many people block out or repress memories of sexual abuse. When the abuse happens to a child and is perpetrated by a trusted person, such as a clergy member, feelings of confusion or shame can prevent a survivor from telling anyone what happened. There may be little evidence available to establish that the abuse happened.
Sexual assault suits involving clergy in Rhode Island do not require an attorney to establish proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A survivor’s memory of the incident, combined with proof that the accused may have had contact with the survivor, can be enough evidence. It is helpful when the survivor can provide specific dates or locations, name others who may have been present, or has medical or mental health treatment records that show symptoms consistent with childhood sexual abuse.
Under Rhode Island General Laws §9-1-51, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file a lawsuit any time before they turn 53. This extended timeline applies to people who suffered abuse on or after July 1, 2019. When the acts occurred before that date, the time limit is seven years from the survivor’s 18th birthday.
Sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by someone in a position of authority and trust, can have lifelong consequences. Survivors have a higher-than-average incidence of mental health challenges and may not reach their academic or professional potential. Finding and maintaining healthy personal relationships can be challenging.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help those who survived sexual assault by a clergy member in Rhode Island obtain money for mental health support and treatment for any physical problems connected to the abuse. Survivors can claim funds to compensate for diminished earnings. They are entitled to funds to acknowledge the impact of the abuse on their quality of life.
Sexual abuse by a faith leader is especially cruel. Joining the Rhode Island clergy sexual assault lawsuits can be an empowering way to hold your abuser accountable. Please contact Phillips Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of the team to discuss your legal options.
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