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$100K Lawrence, Massachusetts Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuit Awarded to Andover Man

A man who was sexually abused by two clergymen when he was a teenager during the 1960’s will receive $100,000 from the Augustinian Order. His abusers, Rev. Alfred Murphy and a Brother John, are also accused of molesting other boys. The victims belonged to the St. Mary parish Catholic Youth Group.

According to the Massachusetts sex abuse complaint, the plaintiff, who is now in his 50’s, was molested about 25 times. He was one of a number of boys that the clergymen would take kayaking and swimming so they could abuse them during the trips.

The victim’s Boston injury lawyer says that the clergy sex abuse caused his client emotional injury, mental trauma, anxiety, nightmares, and depression. As a result, the plaintiff has spent a lot of money on therapy and medical bills.

The Boston clergy sex abuse attorney went on to say that that this compensation does not make up for what happened to the client. Rather, it is a validation that the plaintiff isn’t to blame for what happened to him.

The victim didn’t come forward until after he saw a newspaper article in the mail a couple of years ago reporting on how Murphy had been accused of abusing a 17-year-old during a 3-week camper trip. Although the plaintiff hadn’t forgotten he’d been abused, reading the story made him realize that problems he was suffering from in the present was because of the Lawrence clergy sex abuse he suffered.

Also mentioned in his lawsuit was a third party. Although not named in court papers, this person was accused of failing to properly supervise Brother John and Rev. Murphy.

Unfortunately, for years the Roman Catholic Church turned a blind eye to the fact that many of its priests were molesting young children. Many of these kids were too ashamed or scared to come forward right away or had suppressed the memories. Now, as adults, a number of them are remembering and/or garnering the courage to speak out and hold their abusers and the Church liable.

Religious order pays $100K to Andover man in abuse case, Eagle-Tribune, October 29, 2011
Rev. Alfred Murphy, BishopAccountability.org

More Blog Posts:

$3M Boston Clergy Sex Abuse Judgments Awarded to Two Victims, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, October 25, 2011
Kingston, Massachusetts School Psychologist Placed on Leave Over Clergy Sex Abuse Allegations, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, June 25, 2011
Former Campers Step Forward Claiming They Were Victims of Massachusetts Child Sexual Abuse at Camp Good News in Sandwich, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, April 13, 2011
You should consult with an experienced Boston injury lawyer as soon as possible.

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