Legal Insights
Rhode Island’s statutory window for filing clergy sex abuse claims that were previously barred by the statute of limitations has reopened following passage of a new law, giving survivors of such abuse the opportunity to bring lawsuits against the Diocese of Providence and other institutions for two years starting on July 1, 2026. Among those offering assistance is Dr. Ann Hagan Webb, a past survivor of Rhode Island clergy sexual abuse and after whom this legislation has been named (it has been commonly referred to as “Annie’s Law”). With Dr. Webb’s permission, DarrowEverett is sharing information she has compiled to assist survivors with resources they can leverage to report or discuss abuse that has previously gone unpunished.
Dr. Ann Hagan Webb Statement
The window for filing previously time barred claims for so many survivors of childhood sexual abuse survivors is about to open on July 1. Many survivors are making the choice to step forward and take action. Individually it is a monumental step, after so many years of being denied justice. Many of us will feel elated at the sudden sense of power in taking this step. I applaud everyone who files suit this week and in the months and years to come. It takes courage! And it’s what many of us have been fighting for for years.
But this step, or even contemplating this step, can bring up lots of emotion that was previously kept under wraps. I urge everyone to seek help in some kind of support system, find a therapist, find a support group, do trauma informed yoga, whatever works for you. But find support. It will be a rocky ride. Lawsuits are a “hurry up and wait” proposition, with lots of motions filed, and delay after delay. If you actually get to court or to some deposition / victim statement request, you will need to put your worst self forward. You will have to call on your courage again, more than once.
We have been trying to compile a list of places to contact if you are looking for support. This is what we have so far. This list is a work in progress that will be updated as we go along. If you are looking for a therapist, make sure they use trauma informed practices. It’s not one style of therapy, but therapy informed by an understanding of trauma survivors.
Resource List
Rhode Island State Police / Attorney General
Special Victim’s Unit – Clergy Abuse Hotline
Phone: (401) 764-0142
Day One: https://dayoneri.org/
Day One provides around-the-clock hotline support to the Rhode Island community supporting survivors of sexual abuse. Day One offers advocacy support as well as clinical and therapy services to support survivors.
Phone: (401) 421-4100. Ask for: Jeanne Cerrone, Director of Outpatient Clinical Services, x125, or Intake coordinator, x121.
Male Survivor: https://malesurvivor.org/
Male Survivor offers an online 24/7 chat service for survivors, as well as those around them. Their mission is to raise awareness for male sexual assault and abuse survivors and to offer support for survivors and their families.
Interfaith Counseling Center: http://interfaithri.org
The Interfaith Counseling Center offers a wide range of mental health counseling services by professional practitioners who work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships and foster growth.
Phone: (401) 461-5234
Abuse Survivors Coalition: https://www.ascoalition.org/
Virtual and in-person ongoing Survivor Support Groups. This is a new organization formed by former SNAP (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests) leaders, with a focus on survivor to survivor connections and support groups.
SNAP (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests): http://snapnetwork.org
SNAP has been supporting survivors for over 30 years, offering confidential support for survivors of religious authority abuse. There are no local SNAP chapters currently in New England. No current virtual groups.
Phone: (202) 802-8611
Providence Diocese Office of Compliance: https://dioceseofprovidence.org/office-of-compliance
For Financial Help with Therapy, contact:
Michael D. Hansen, Ph.D., Director
mhansen@dpvd.org (email is best way to reach him)
Office of Outreach & Prevention; Victim Assistance Coordinator
Phone: (401) 946-0728
To report abuse directly to the Diocese of Providence, contact:
Lt. Col. Robert A. Creamer, MBA, CFE
Director, Office of Compliance
rcreamer@dpvd.org
Phone: (401) 941-0760