WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF IN RHODE ISLAND?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
WHY WORK WITH LEVY LAW?
- Proven Record of Settlements
- No Fees Ever Unless You Win
- Fast & Free Case Review
- Consultation is 100% Confidential
RHODE ISLAND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of School Sexual Abuse in Rhode Island Catholic Schools
Rhode Island Schools Sexual Abuse Lawsuits involve allegations that students were allegedly abused in schools across Rhode Island and institutional failures occurred.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that students were allegedly sexually abused in Rhode Island schools, including religious and private school settings.
Rhode Island schools named in sexual abuse allegations include institutions in Warwick, Pawtucket, and other communities across the state. Allegations tied to these schools have involved clergy, teachers, and school officials who were allegedly accused of sexual abuse, solicitation, misconduct, and failures to address or report abuse. Reports and lawsuits have also raised concerns about institutional responses and whether abuse allegations were properly handled.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse in Rhode Island Catholic Schools
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket)
- In March 2026, the Rhode Island Attorney General released a report identifying clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse who worked at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket.
- The Diocese of Providence released a list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse including individuals who served at St. Raphael Academy in Rhode Island, namely:
- Paul Charland
- Raphael Edes
- Francis Santilli
- Armand Ventre
- Robert W. Barnes
Edes allegedly sexually abused two male students between 1986 and 1990. He admitted to having sexual contact with one of the victims.
Charland, former guidance counselor and teacher at St. Raphael Academy, allegedly sexually abused a former student of St. Raphael’s Academy between 1980 and 1981.
Ventre sexually abused a 13-year-old former student of St. Raphael’s Academy in 1977.
Bishop Hendricken High School
- The Diocese of Providence released a list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse including individuals who served at Bishop Hendricken High School in Rhode Island, namely:
- Joseph Rocha
- In 2018, a whistle-blower lawsuit was filed against Bishop Hendricken High School in Rhode Island and the Diocese of Providence, alleging that they failed to investigate a teacher who allegedly used a classroom computer to solicit sexual encounters with younger men and male prostitutes.
- In December 2004, Timothy Sheldon, vice principal at Bishop Hendricken High School, was arrested and charged following allegations that he solicited an individual posing as a minor through an online chatroom.
- In January 1986, Br. John M. Walderman, former principal of Bishop Hendricken High School, was arrested after he allegedly attempted to solicit a 17-year-old boy for sex.
St. Joseph Schools
- The Diocese of Providence released a list of credibly accused of sexual abuse including individuals who served at St. Joseph School in Rhode Island, namely:
- Laurence Gagnon
- James Campbell
Gagnon was arrested in 2011 and sentenced to prison for molesting three students at the St. Joseph School between 2010 and 2011.
Campbell allegedly sexually abused a teenage boy multiple times between 1975 and 1976 at St. Joseph School. The diocese allegedly ignored the abuse.
LK is Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims in Catholic Schools in Rhode Island
Levy Konigsberg is investigating cases of sexual abuse and assault that occurred at Catholic Schools in Rhode Island.
You may have a potential claim if you were sexually abused in these or any other Catholic Schools in Rhode Island:
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES
We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
- The abuse occurred at any school.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Rhode Island Sexual Abuse Attorneys
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by Rhode Island clergy or at a Rhode Island Catholic school or Rhode Island school, our compassionate and experienced Rhode Island sexual abuse legal team is here to stand by your side and pursue the justice and accountability you deserve.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.