A new two-year window for certain previously time-barred civil claims opened in Rhode Island on July 1, prompting at least 33 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by clergy and institutional failures to protect children.
The filings, many of which name the Catholic Diocese of Providence or “The Bishop” as defendants, describe allegations spanning decades. They include claims involving parishes, schools, and the now-closed St. Aloysius Home in Greenville.
The lawsuits contain serious allegations that have not been proven in court. Still, the first day of filings shows how a change in civil filing rules can create an opportunity for victims to seek information, accountability, and support years after alleged abuse occurred.
For survivors, the news may also bring up difficult feelings or questions about their own rights and resources. The decision to explore legal options is personal, and no one has to take action before they are ready.
More Than 30 Civil Cases Filed on Day One
Rhode Island lawmakers created the two-year “revival window” to allow people who say they experienced child sexual abuse to bring certain civil claims that may previously have been blocked by deadlines or restrictions on who could be held responsible.
At least 33 lawsuits were filed on the first day, according to the report. Most name the Catholic Church or church leadership as defendants.
Several complaints allege that church officials knew, or should have known, about alleged misconduct by clergy members. The lawsuits also allege that leaders concealed reports, failed to disclose known risks, reassigned accused clergy members without explaining the reasons, and prioritized the institution’s reputation and financial interests over child safety.
Those allegations will need to be evaluated through the civil court process. The filings, however, highlight a broader issue often raised in institutional sexual abuse cases: whether an organization had information that should have led it to take steps to protect children.
Court Filings Describe Allegations Across Decades
The complaints describe allegations dating from the 1970s through the 2000s. One lawsuit alleges that Rev. Michael LaMountain sexually abused an 11-year-old boy during an outing in Warwick and used religious language to manipulate the child into silence.
Another lawsuit concerns allegations against Rev. Alfred Desrosiers, who served at Our Lady of Victories Parish in Woonsocket. The complaint alleges that a child altar server was repeatedly sexually abused and threatened with consequences if he disclosed what happened.
The reporting states that Desrosiers was removed from the clergy in 1993 and died in 2001 while a criminal rape charge was pending. The new civil complaint alleges that the diocese transferred him after receiving information about prior alleged misconduct involving teenage girls.
One of the more recent cases was filed by a 31-year-old man who alleges he was sexually abused between 2006 and 2010 by Laurence Gagnon, a deacon and teacher at St. Joseph’s Church and school in West Warwick. Gagnon is deceased.
These accounts reflect why many survivors do not disclose sexual harm immediately. Shame, fear, threats, trust in authority figures, and concern that family members may not believe them can all affect when, or whether, someone comes forward.
St. Aloysius Home Allegations Return to Court
Several of the new complaints involve alleged abuse at St. Aloysius Home, a diocesan-run residential facility and orphanage for boys in Greenville that closed in 1994 after allegations of sexual and physical abuse.
Former residents and their families previously brought claims involving the facility, the Diocese of Providence, state child welfare officials, and Rev. Robert J. McIntyre, who directed the home for years. According to the report, a Superior Court jury later cleared McIntyre of being a perpetrator, while other lawsuits were rejected or dismissed for different legal reasons.
The newly filed lawsuits bring forward additional allegations connected to the home. One complaint filed on behalf of David S. Silipigni alleges that he was sexually abused by an unidentified priest while living at St. Aloysius as a child.
The cases underscore the lasting impact alleged childhood sexual abuse can have on survivors. Civil complaints often seek damages connected to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other long-term effects. Every person’s experience is different, and survivors deserve support regardless of how long ago the harm occurred.
How Rhode Island Courts Could Handle the New Cases
It is not yet clear how Rhode Island Superior Court will manage the expected increase in clergy sexual abuse litigation.
An Attorney stated that courts handling large numbers of similar claims sometimes use “bellwether” cases—representative lawsuits that may help parties and courts understand how key legal issues could play out. He also suggested that the court could create a dedicated calendar for these cases or assign them to a single judge.
No specific plan had been announced by Rhode Island Superior Court Chief Justice Joseph Montalbano at the time of the reporting.
For victims considering a civil claim, the revival window may provide an opportunity to speak with a lawyer about whether their circumstances qualify. A legal consultation can help explain potential filing deadlines, available evidence, the role of institutions, and what a civil case may involve. It does not require someone to file a lawsuit or make a report to law enforcement.
Get Legal Help and Support From Helping Survivors
Victims and survivors of alleged clergy sexual abuse may have rights and resources, even when the harm happened decades ago. Helping Survivors offers clear, survivor-centered information and may connect impacted individuals with experienced legal professionals who can evaluate potential civil options.
Helping Survivors can help you understand available rights and resources and explore whether speaking with a lawyer may be appropriate for your situation. Reach out today to learn more about support and legal options related to abuse by clergy members or religious institutions.
