Religious leaders are entrusted with guiding and protecting their followers. Tragically, some abuse this trust by committing sexual abuse, particularly against minors. Father Thomas Dunleavy, a former Catholic priest in the Diocese of Marque, is one such individual accused of this heinous crime.
If you or a loved one has survived sexual abuse from within the Church, you have the right to hold your abuser and the system that allowed the abuse to happen accountable.
Our firm helps survivors in situations such as Father Thomas Dunleavy’s sexual abuse accusations, and we have secured over $1.37 billion in settlements for our clients. Contact a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer to learn more about what your legal options may be.
Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Father Thomas Dunleavy
In April of 2002, Jane Doe2 (as referred to in the Diocese of Marquette’s report) wrote her account of being molested by Father Thomas Dunleavy when she was attending St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Sault Ste. Marie in the early 1950s.
She stated that Fr. Dunleavy assaulted her multiple times while she was on her way to choir practice and that two other girls her age had informed her that they were similarly being sexually abused. She reported this to the principal of the school, a nun, who interviewed the girls separately.
Jane Doe2 stated that Father Thomas Dunleavy was transferred soon after these events. In July of 2002, Jane Doe3 reported that she and her sister were also sexually abused by Dunleavy in the 1960s while they were attending St. Williams Parish in Menominee, Michigan, at the ages of 11 and 14. These allegations are backed up by memories of another priest in the Diocese.
In October 2018, Jane Doe4 also called the attorney general’s sexual abuse tip line to report that Father Dunleavy had sexually abused her at St. William’s Parish in Menominee and Marinette Catholic Central School in Wisconsin while she was in the 8th grade during the late 1960s.
She said that soon after the abuse began, Father Dunleavy was transferred to Bark River. This is the last position that is referenced in the report. Our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers and Michigan personal injury lawyers can represent you if you or a loved one has a similar story.
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Diocese of Marquette Sexual Abuse Investigations
The Michigan Attorney General’s 2018 investigation into clergy abuse within the state’s Catholic dioceses exposed a disturbing pattern. The Diocese of Marquette alone had 44 priests with credible sexual abuse accusations, including Father Thomas Dunleavy. While only a few have faced criminal charges, survivors of clergy abuse should continue to pursue justice.
Many victims revealed in the Michigan AG Clergy Abuse Investigation Report were young and vulnerable at the time of the abuse, trusting their spiritual leaders to guide them appropriately.
This abuse often remained hidden for years, only surfacing when survivors, inspired by others, found the courage to speak out. The Church’s failure to address this issue has caused immense suffering and eroded the trust of countless parishioners.
At White Law PLLC, we assist survivors in holding abusers accountable and seeking compensation for the harm inflicted. Even beyond the statute of limitations, sharing these stories can hold the Church accountable and raise awareness about the common signs of clergy abuse.
Contact our office to get your questions answered and learn more about your possible legal options.
About Father Thomas Dunleavy
According to Bishop Accountability, Father Thomas Dunleavy was ordained in 1934. The Diocesan records show that Fr. Dunleavy served at St. Joseph’s Church in Sault Ste. Marie requested a transfer in September of 1954, claiming this was based on the recommendations of his doctor.
Bishop Schmitt’s letter shows that Fr. Dunleavy transferred to St. Williams Parish in Menominee, coinciding with the timing noted in the reports of both Jane Doe2 and Jane Doe3.
The report found very little information recorded by the Diocese regarding any mentions of these abuse allegations being reported. However, that is consistent with other cases in which the Church did not want records of sexual abuse in written documents. Father Thomas Dunleavy died in January of 2002, having never faced criminal proceedings.
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Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings for Sexual Abuse Cases
Victims of clergy abuse, like those abused by Father Thomas Dunleavy, may be able to pursue justice through either civil or criminal legal systems. Civil lawsuits and criminal cases are separate processes, and a successful civil lawsuit does not preclude a criminal prosecution, and vice versa. Survivors may pursue both or either, depending on their specific circumstances and their personal goals.
Survivors may choose to file a civil lawsuit against both the individual abuser and the institutions that employed them, allowing the abuse to continue.
These lawsuits aim to hold accountable those who enabled or covered up the abuse. By proving negligence or intentional wrongdoing, victims can seek monetary compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they suffered.
In cases where criminal charges are appropriate, the state may prosecute the abuser. Criminal cases focus on punishing the perpetrator and deterring future abuse. If convicted, the abuser may face imprisonment and other penalties, such as mandatory sex offender registration.
Statute of Limitations in Michigan Sexual Abuse Civil and Criminal Cases
For many survivors of sexual abuse, the trauma can lead to delayed disclosure or even repressed memories, creating challenges when pursuing legal action due to Michigan’s statute of limitations for clergy abuse.
Typically, survivors in Michigan have 10 years or until their 28th birthday to file a civil claim. While there are exceptions, acting promptly to protect your rights is crucial.
For first-degree criminal sexual abuse, there is no statute of limitations. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you explore potential legal options. We are dedicated to helping survivors hold perpetrators accountable and embark on their journey of recovery.
Seek Justice with a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer from White Law PLLC
At White Law PLLC, we understand the devastating impact of clergy sexual abuse, including cases like that of Father Thomas Dunleavy’s sexual abuse.
Our experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyers are committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy to survivors. We will work tirelessly to hold perpetrators and the institutions that enabled the abuse accountable.
By pursuing a lawsuit, survivors may seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and anguish, and emotional distress. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment and provide guidance on your legal options.
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