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Were you abused by clergy at Fordham University?

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS

GGH Law represents survivors of clergy sexual abuse connected to Fordham University in New York. Talk to us about what happened. The consultation is free and confidential. SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

Confidential • No fee unless we win

Introduction

Recent disclosures of sexual abuse by clergy inside the Fordham community have unsettled us profoundly—psychologically and sociologically.  A history of this sort sends shivers down the spine and calls victims out of their silence. 

For a long time, clergy sexual abuse has been a huge stain on the reputation of religious institutions. Fordham University, a Jesuit institution in New York City, is no exception. The recent uncovering of credible allegations of sexual abuse by Jesuit priests affiliated with the university has cast serious doubts on the safety and well-being of its constituents. Those who live and work within the wider Fordham community now question what priests might still be using the cover of the university that harms the vulnerable.

 

Legal Help For Survivors
WERE YOU
SEXUALLY ABUSED?
SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

Notable Cases of Abuse and Their Impact

A disturbing revelation has come about as a result of the Jesuit USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus releasing a list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Many of the accused have close ties to Fordham University. This has undoubtedly poured more salt into the wounds of survivors of clerical sexual assault and their families. 

  • Among the priests named is Fr. John McCarthy, S.J., who worked at Fordham from 1956 to 1992. He is said to have abused minors while teaching at the university during the 1970s, particularly in the Graduate School of Social Service. 
  • Fr. William Scanlon, S.J., who served Fordham for a brief stint as campus minister from 1972 to 1974, also makes the list. His alleged time of abusing minors falls between 1985 and 1994, just before he left Fordham.
  • Fr. Peter Conroy, S.J., admitted to several incidents of inappropriately touching and groping two female relatives, both minors, during the 1970s. 
  • Fr. Eugene O’Brien, S.J., who was at Fordham in many capacities and was principal of Fordham Prep, is accused of sexually abusing a student in the early 1970s, with several individuals coming forward to corroborate these attacks.
  • Additionally, two other priests associated with Fordham, Fr. Roy Drake, S.J., and a priest whose name has not been released but who is known to have traveled with Drake, are accused of raping two boys while on a side trip in ski country.
  • The credible accusations of sexual abuse against Fr. John Bellwoar, S.J. who taught at Fordham Prep from 1936 to 1938.
  • Fr. Philip Sunseri, S.J. who taught at Fordham Prep between 1983 and 1986 and was found guilty of sexual misconduct with children.
  • Ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was charged in a Massachusetts court on three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14.
  • Abuse allegations against a high-profile religious artist, Fr. Marko Rupnik, S.J. 
  • Fr. Bill O’Malley, S.J. who starred in the supernatural film “The Exorcist,” has been accused of sexually abusing one of his students at McQuaid Jesuit High School.

What can I recover?

Nothing can bring back what was lost as a result of the sexual abuse that you or a loved one suffered. But under the law and in civil court, the remedy you are entitled to is financial in nature.

In a civil court, when a lawsuit is filed, the individual bringing the lawsuit (the plaintiff) is entitled to damages if they are successful. Damages can include economic damages resulting from the sexual abuse—like medical or therapy bills—but they can also include non-economic damages, which include past, current, and future emotional distress; past, current, and future diminished quality of life; and pain and suffering resulting from the sexual abuse.

You never pay out of pocket.

WE WORK ON CONTINGENCY
NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

You only pay if we secure compensation.

Contact Us

The legal journey in sexual abuse cases requires more than just expertise—it requires empathy, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. At GGH, we understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. We stand firm in our belief that survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice, hold perpetrators accountable, and begin the process of healing.

The GGH team is dedicated to ensuring that survivors' voices are heard and their stories respected. We are here to help you navigate the legal process with care and confidence, advocating for the justice and closure you deserve.

Contact GGH Today for a free consultation at (312) 728-7444 or contact us online.

ACCOUNTABLITY FOR SURVIVORS:
THE GGH ADVANDAGE
Gould Grieco & Hensley (GGH) is a prestigious, boutique national personal injury firm that serves as a relentless advocate for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries. Recognized as "Innovators of Law," the firm combines world-class legal expertise with state-of-the-art technology—including agile project management and cutting-edge trial techniques—to secure unprecedented results against the world’s largest institutional defendants. With a proven track record that includes global settlements exceeding $2 billion and individual verdicts surpassing $550 million, their award-winning attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis to ensure justice is accessible without upfront costs. From the courtroom to features in The New York Times and Forbes, Gould Grieco and Hensley remains dedicated to turning strategic precision and aggressive litigation into life-changing outcomes for their clients.