WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN RHODE ISLAND?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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FATHER FRANCIS SANTILLI SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Father Francis Santilli
Father Francis Santilli, a Catholic priest, allegedly sexually abused at least three altar boys in the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Francis Santilli sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in Rhode Island.
Father Francis Santilli was ordained in June 1980 and served at several parishes and institutions in Rhode Island, including Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Providence as a deacon, St. Joseph Hospital in Providence, St. Charles Borromeo Church in Woonsocket, St. Pius X Church in Westerly, the Diocesan Office for Vocations, St. Vincent House of Formation in Providence, St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, St. Cecilia Church in Pawtucket, St. Paul Church in Cranston, and St. Philip Church and School in Smithfield, where he served as pastor from 2010.
He also served on the Diocesan Review Board — the body that evaluates child sexual abuse allegations against clergy — from 2009 to 2012.
He is included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy and in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
Father Francis Santilli History of Sexual Abuse
- According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report, Father Francis Santilli allegedly sexually abused multiple altar boys, ages 7 to 12, in the early 1980s at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Providence and St. Charles Borromeo Church in Woonsocket.
Santilli allegedly abused the victims by touching their genitals over and under their clothing and pressing his genitals against them.
Despite the multiple allegations, Santilli remained in ministry until 2022.
- In 1980, two brothers between the ages of 7 and 9 were allegedly repeatedly sexually abused by Santilli at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Providence, in the church sacristy, the rectory basement, and a stairwell in the church.
- Between 1980 and 1981, two altar servers were allegedly sexually abused by Santili.
A 10-year-old altar boy was allegedly sexually abused in the rectory of Our Lady of Lourdes Church while Santilli was assigned there as a deacon.
A 12-year-old altar server was allegedly sexually abused roughly 30 times at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Woonsocket.
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.
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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 a sexual abuse claim against the Catholic Church if:
- You were sexually abused as a minor or an adult within the Church.
- The abuser was a priest, clergy member, or some other Church volunteer or employee.
- Your abuse occurred at any time in the past.
As with civil sexual abuse cases, claims filed with the bankruptcy settlement fund are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse. Instead, they focus on holding the Archdiocese liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime.
Determining whether you have grounds to pursue a claim can be challenging, which is why our team at Levy Konigsberg is readily available to help.
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.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members. Our team is dedicated to providing legal support to survivors and holding accountable those who have committed these crimes. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that the trust placed in religious institutions is restored.
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.