Rhode Island Clergy Abuse Lawsuit: Free Case Review for Diocese of Providence Survivors
If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a priest, deacon, nun, brother, lay employee, or volunteer connected to the Diocese of Providence, a Rhode Island Catholic parish or school, or another Rhode Island religious organization, you may qualify to file a lawsuit and pursue significant compensation. The Rhode Island Attorney General's report identified more than 75 credibly accused clergy.
Did you or a loved one experience sexual misconduct by clergy or staff in the Diocese of Providence or another Rhode Island religious organization — and do you know the name of the abuser?
You or a loved one may be entitled to significant compensation. Complete this simple, risk-free form in under a minute to see if you qualify.
This May Apply to You If:
- You or a loved one was abused by a priest, deacon, nun, brother, lay employee, or volunteer of the Diocese of Providence or another Rhode Island religious organization
- The abuse occurred at a Rhode Island Catholic parish, school, orphanage (such as St. Aloysius Home in Smithfield), CYO program, or religious camp (such as Camp Yawgoog in Narragansett)
- You can identify the abuser by name — such as one of the 75+ credibly accused clergy listed in the Rhode Island Attorney General's report (Appendix A)
- The Diocese received complaints or warnings about the abuser and failed to act, reassigned them, or quietly removed them from ministry
- You were a child or minor at the time of the abuse
- You experienced unwanted sexual contact, grooming, or coerced sexual acts by someone in a position of religious authority
Rhode Island Clergy Abuse: A Documented Crisis
The Rhode Island Attorney General's report on clergy sexual abuse identified 75 credibly accused clergy in the Diocese of Providence — 61 diocesan priests, 13 religious order priests, and 1 extern — across decades of ministry. The report describes individual abusers with double-digit victim counts, including Father Robert Marcantonio (17 alleged victims), Father Edmond Micarelli (16+ alleged victims, including as Boy Scouts chaplain at Camp Yawgoog), Father Brendan Smyth (17+ victims during RI ministry), Father Michael LaMountain (12+ known victims), and Father Robert McIntyre at the St. Aloysius Home for Children in Smithfield (11+ alleged victims). Father William O'Connell is described as the diocese's "most notorious offender."
For decades, abuse complaints were buried, abusers were reassigned between parishes, and survivors were pressured into silence. A Rhode Island clergy abuse lawsuit gives survivors a legal pathway to expose what happened and recover compensation.
Why File a Rhode Island Clergy Abuse Lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit is about more than financial compensation — it is an act of accountability. These claims expose how the Diocese of Providence and other Rhode Island religious institutions failed to protect children in their care.
By filing a claim, you can seek compensation for the lasting impact of the abuse — including therapy, mental health treatment, lost faith and community, lost opportunity, and the pain and suffering you have endured.
Recognizing the Harm
Sexual abuse by clergy is a profound violation of trust — not just personal trust, but spiritual trust. Survivors we help are often living with:
Lasting Emotional Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and a deep crisis of trust toward authority and faith.
Loss of Faith & Community
Estrangement from religion, family, and the parish community that surrounded the abuse.
Institutional Cover-Up
Being ignored, disbelieved, or pressured into silence when you reported abuse to church leaders.
Career & Life Impact
Ongoing therapy costs, reduced earning potential, and trauma affecting your relationships and daily life into adulthood.
Take Back Your Power Today
You do not have to carry this in silence any longer, and you do not have to face the diocese that failed to protect you alone.
We empower survivors by matching you with experienced attorneys who handle Rhode Island clergy abuse cases — including claims involving the Diocese of Providence, religious orders, and Rhode Island Catholic schools and parishes.
Filing deadlines may be limited. Reach out today for a confidential, no-obligation review.
Why Choose Us
Completely Confidential
No Upfront Costs
Available 24/7
Deadlines Apply To Your Claim
Rhode Island clergy abuse claims are subject to filing deadlines under state law. Waiting can permanently bar your right to compensation, no matter how serious the abuse was.
About the Diocese of Providence and Rhode Island Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
The Diocese of Providence has overseen Catholic parishes, schools, orphanages, CYO programs, and religious camps across Rhode Island for more than a century. The 2024 Rhode Island Attorney General's report identified 75 credibly accused clergy and described how abusers were repeatedly reassigned between parishes — including assignments to Immaculate Conception in Cranston, St. Aloysius in Woonsocket, Precious Blood in Woonsocket, St. Joseph in Central Falls, St. Leo the Great in Pawtucket, Holy Family in Woonsocket, Our Lady of Good Help in Burrillville, Our Lady of Victory in Hopkinton, and St. Aloysius Home for Children in Smithfield, among many others.
A Rhode Island clergy abuse lawsuit gives survivors a legal pathway to challenge that culture and recover compensation for the harm they suffered as children.
What a Lawsuit Can Cover
Damages may include past and future medical and mental health expenses, therapy, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and — in cases of particularly egregious misconduct or institutional cover-up — punitive damages.
Who May Be Held Liable
Depending on the facts, a Rhode Island clergy abuse lawsuit may name the individual abuser (priest, deacon, nun, brother, lay employee, or volunteer); the parish, school, orphanage, or camp where the abuse occurred; the Diocese of Providence or other religious order responsible for assigning and supervising the abuser; and any organization that received complaints and failed to act.
How the Lawsuit Process Works
- Free, confidential case review. Complete the short 1-minute eligibility form above. There is no cost and no obligation.
- Attorney consultation. A qualified attorney experienced in clergy and religious institutional abuse claims will reach out to discuss what happened.
- Investigation & filing. Your legal team gathers diocesan records, identifies witnesses, and files your claim within applicable deadlines.
- Negotiation or trial. Most claims resolve through negotiated settlements, but your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if needed.
- Recovery. Any compensation recovered is paid to you, less the contingency fee. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.