Rhode Island AG Report Details 300 Child Abuse Allegations Against 75 Priests

A comprehensive 300-page report released by Peter F. Neronha, covering a 75-year period from 1950, revealed that 75 priests in Rhode Island faced at least 300 accusations of child sexual abuse.

The investigation found that the Diocese of Providence often handled cases internally, moving accused priests to other churches rather than reporting them to law enforcement or dismissing them. Attorney General Neronha noted that at least 30 priests accused of abuse were reassigned to different churches at least five times.

The report, part of an investigation launched in 2019, involved examining approximately 250,000 pages of diocesan documents and interviewing 150 people. Key findings included:

• Most victims were boys aged 11 to 14

• Many abuses occurred during the 1970s

• Victims came forward on average 26 years after the abuse

The Diocese of Providence acknowledged that “serious mistakes” were made in handling abuse cases in the past.

Attorney General Neronha emphasized that the report demonstrates systemic failures in protecting children and highlighted the need for accountability and reform within church institutions.

Source: Newstimehub