rom further harm. As a woman of deep faith, it is my prayer and profound hope that this report honors the courage and stories of survivors, and serves as a renewed catalyst for Massachusetts to finally do all that is necessary to ensure the safety of our children. No institution should ever put its own reputation and interest above the safety and wellbeing of its constituents, especially children. 

Only one criminal charge

Dig deeper:

According to Reuters , the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office started an investigation in 2019 to determine whether Catholic leaders in Fall River, Springfield and Worcester were criminally responsible for concealing sexual abuse.

That investigation led to three referrals to local district attorneys, but only one resulted in criminal charges. Some of the conduct was not illegal when it happened, officials said, and other offenses were protected by the statute of limitations.