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Child Sexual Abuse Claims at Mount St. Joseph High School

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Loni Liss

Child sexual abuse is an unimaginable violation of trust that leaves lasting scars on survivors and their families.

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of allegations emerge, shedding light on the systemic failures that have allowed such abuse to persist in institutions meant to nurture and protect children.

One such troubling case involves allegations against Xaverian Brother Robert Flaherty, a former teacher at Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

The case highlights the importance of accountability, survivor advocacy, and institutional reform in addressing the devastating impact of child sexual abuse.

Brother Robert Flaherty Case Highlights Need for Oversight

Brother Robert Flaherty, a member of the Xaverian Brothers religious order, has been accused of sexually abusing a minor in the mid-1980s.

The allegation, which was revealed in August 2024, has led to his removal from ministry pending an investigation by the Baltimore City police and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

While the allegation does not involve a current or former student of Mount St. Joseph High School, the case raises critical questions about the culture of silence and lack of oversight in institutions where such abuse has occurred.

Coming forward is an act of immense courage for survivors, and their voices must be met with unwavering support and action.

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse at Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland, contact The Yost Legal Group. Call our Maryland sex abuse lawyers at 1-800-967-8529 for a free and confidential consultation. A compassionate sexual abuse lawyer will listen to what happened and offer the help you need.

List of Priests and Brothers Accused of Child Sexual Assault

Abuse of a Minor Allegations and Institutional Response

Brother Robert Flaherty joined the Xaverian Brothers in 1979 and began teaching at Mount St. Joseph High School in 1980.

Over the years, he held teaching positions at several other schools across the country, including St. Xavier High School in Kentucky and St. John’s Preparatory School in Massachusetts.

Despite his long tenure in education, no prior allegations of abuse had been reported against him until 2024.

The Xaverian Brothers, in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office, have implemented protocols for handling allegations of abuse, including removing Brother Flaherty from ministry while the investigation is ongoing.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has also reviewed its records and found no prior allegations against Brother Flaherty. However, as Sean Caine, the archdiocese’s communications director, pointed out, high-profile cases often encourage other survivors to come forward.

This case serves as a stark reminder that abuse is often hidden for decades, with survivors silenced by fear, shame, or institutional cover-ups.

The Yost Legal Group is urging anyone who was abused at Mount St. Joseph High School to come forward. If the abuse involves a church representative, a teacher, a guidance counselor, or an athletic coach, a sexual assault lawyer will fight to seek justice.

The Impact on Child Molestation Survivors and the Community

Child sexual abuse has profound and far-reaching consequences for survivors. Many experience long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects, including:

– Depression

– Anxiety

– post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

– difficulty forming trusting relationships.

The trauma is often compounded by the betrayal of trust, particularly when the abuser is a respected figure within the community, such as a teacher, coach, or religious leader.

The allegations against Brother Flaherty have undoubtedly sparked feelings of shock, anger, and betrayal in the Mount St. Joseph High School community.

He was a teacher and an athletic coach credited with reviving the school’s ice hockey program. Such cases force communities to grapple with the painful reality that individuals they once admired have caused irreparable harm to others.

There are more likely many other sexual assault survivors out there suffering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

Let a caring lawyer who works with molestation claims help fight for you. Your voice deserves to be heard. This was not your fault. We believe you.

Encouraging Survivors to Come Forward

One of the most critical steps in addressing child sexual abuse is creating an environment where survivors feel safe and supported in coming forward. The courage it takes to report abuse cannot be overstated, as survivors often face significant emotional and social barriers.

Institutions like the Xaverian Brothers and the Archdiocese of Baltimore must prioritize transparency, accountability, and survivor advocacy to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed.

We encourage other survivors to break their silence.

When you work with The Yost Legal Group, we help survivors access counseling, legal support, and other resources to navigate the healing process.

How Institutions Can Break the Cycle of Silence on Abuse

The case of Brother Robert Flaherty underscores the urgent need for institutional reform to prevent future instances of abuse. This includes:

– implementing comprehensive background checks

– establishing clear reporting protocols

– providing ongoing training for staff and volunteers on recognizing and responding to signs of abuse.

Sadly, many institutions have not provided transparency and accountability. They have not ensured that allegations are handled seriously and that survivors receive the support they need.

The Xaverian Brothers and Mount St. Joseph High School must examine past practices and identify areas for improvement. While Brother Flaherty’s removal from ministry is a necessary step, it is only the beginning.

The institution must rebuild community trust by committing to protect children and holding wrongdoers accountable.

Seeking Justice Through Legal Action

Survivors of child sexual abuse often face significant barriers to seeking justice, including statutes of limitations that prevent them from filing lawsuits after a certain period.

However, recent legal reforms, such as Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023, have extended or eliminated these limitations.

Survivors can now come forward and hold their abusers accountable no matter how long ago the abuse happened. This legislative progress is critical in empowering survivors and ensuring that justice will be served.

Filing a Maryland sex abuse lawsuit against an abuser or the institution that enabled the abuse can be an important part of the healing process for survivors.

It allows sexual abuse survivors to reclaim their voices, seek accountability, and secure financial compensation for the harm they have endured.

Legal action also sends a powerful message that abuse will not be tolerated and that institutions must take their responsibility to protect children seriously.

The Role of Legal Advocates at The Yost Legal Group

For abuse survivors considering legal action, working with an experienced legal team can make all the difference. Firms like The Yost Legal Group handle cases of child sexual abuse and are dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.

They understand the unique challenges survivors face and are committed to holding abusers and institutions accountable.

At The Yost Legal Group, survivors can expect a client-focused approach that prioritizes their well-being and seeks justice on their behalf.

The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning survivors pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if their case is successfully resolved.

This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent survivors from seeking the justice they deserve.

Rising Above Silence: Addressing Abuse in Institutions

The allegations against Brother Robert Flaherty at Mount St. Joseph High School are a painful reminder of the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse and the urgent need for action.

While no amount of legal action or institutional reform can undo the harm caused, it is possible to create a future where children are better protected, survivors are supported, and abusers are held accountable.

For survivors, coming forward is an act of courage that can inspire others to do the same. The emotional distress you have been carrying around as a victim of sexual abuse needs to heal.

By sharing their stories, they play a vital role in breaking the cycle of abuse and driving meaningful change.

Call 1-800-967-8529 to see if we can help you. Seek the justice and the financial compensation you deserve. File your Baltimore sex abuse claim if you are a victim of sexual assault in an institution.

As a society, we must stand with survivors, listen to their voices, and work together to create a safer, more just world for all children.

Church Sexual Abuse – Clergy Sexual Abuse – Doctor Sexual Assault

Child Molestation – Child Sexual Abuse Cases – Sexual Assault at School

Catholic High School of Baltimore Child Sexual Abuse Claims

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Loni Liss

A Timeline of Sexual Abuse Scandals and Accountability

In recent years, the Catholic High School of Baltimore has faced intense scrutiny due to allegations of sexual abuse spanning decades. The revelations have shaken the community, highlighting systemic failures in protecting students and addressing complaints. This blog explores the timeline of events, the key figures involved, and the legal and social implications of these cases.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of child sexual abuse suffered in a Maryland educational or religious institution, know that you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group will provide the help, guidance, and support you need.

Our experienced and compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to standing by survivors to fight for accountability and justice.

With the passage of Maryland’s Child Victims Act, there are no longer time limits to confront the wrongs of the past. Whether the abuse occurred in a school, Church, after-school program, or another institution, we will help you seek justice.

Contact The Yost Legal Group sexual assault lawyers today for a free and confidential consultation. Call us at (800)-YOST-LAW (800-967-8529) or text us at 1-410-659-6800.

A Timeline of Allegations and Complaints at Catholic High School of Baltimore

1960s-1980s: Early Allegations Ignored

The history of abuse allegations at Catholic High School of Baltimore dates back over 60 years. Survivors have come forward with stories of sexual abuse at the hands of priests, nuns, and teachers during this period. Despite complaints being raised, many were dismissed or buried by school administrators and the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

One of the earliest known cases involved Father Joseph Maskell, a priest accused of abusing students in the 1960s and 1970s. Maskell’s actions were brought to light in the Attorney General’s report published decades later, as detailed in WBAL-TV’s coverage. Survivors reported that Maskell preyed on vulnerable students, using his position of authority to silence them.

1990s: The Spotlight on Abuse Intensifies

The 1990s saw an increase in awareness of clergy abuse, with survivors beginning to speak out. However, systemic changes were slow, and many perpetrators remained in positions of power. During this time, the school and the archdiocese continued to face allegations of failing to act on complaints.

2000s: Legal Actions and Public Outcry

The early 2000s marked a turning point as survivors began filing lawsuits against the school and the archdiocese. The cases highlighted not only the abuse but also the institutional cover-ups that allowed it to persist.

Maryland’s Child Victims Act: A New Era of Justice for Survivors

The release of the Maryland Attorney General’s report in 2023 was a watershed moment. The report detailed decades of abuse by clergy members, including those associated with the Catholic High School of Baltimore. It also revealed the extent to which the Archdiocese of Baltimore failed to address complaints, often prioritizing the reputation of the Church over the safety of students.

In October 2023, Maryland took a groundbreaking step in advocating for survivors of childhood sexual abuse by passing the new Child Victims Act. This transformative legislation removes the statute of limitations for filing claims against abusers, providing a pathway to justice for individuals who have suffered in silence for years—even decades.

Under the new law, survivors of abuse can now come forward, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred, to hold their abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

This change is monumental for older adults who may have felt that time had run out on their opportunity to seek justice. Many survivors carry the weight of their trauma throughout their lives, often not feeling ready or able to confront their abusers until much later.

The removal of the statute of limitations recognizes the unique challenges survivors face and ensures that their voices can be heard whenever they are ready to come forward.

Key Figures and Allegations About Catholic High School of Baltimore

Father Joseph Maskell

One of the most notorious figures in the molestation of students scandal, Father Maskell, was accused of abusing multiple students during his tenure. Survivors have described how Maskell used his position to intimidate victims into silence.

Teachers and Staff

In addition to clergy members, several teachers and staff at Catholic High School of Baltimore have faced allegations of abuse. A Baltimore Sun article highlighted the case of a teacher accused of sexual solicitation in 2024.

Archdiocese Leadership

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has also been criticized for its role in covering up abuse allegations. Survivors have shared their stories in court, emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels of leadership. This was reported by NBC Washington.

Legal and Social Implications

Survivors’ Stories

The courage of survivors coming forward has been instrumental in exposing the extent of the abuse. Their testimonies have shed light on the long-term impact of abuse, including trauma, mental health challenges, and a loss of trust in institutions.

Legal Actions

The Attorney General’s report has paved the way for legal actions against Catholic High School of Baltimore. Survivors are seeking justice through lawsuits.

Community Response

The revelations have sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the Baltimore community. Parents, alumni, and advocacy groups have demanded transparency and systemic changes to ensure the safety of students.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Accountability and Justice

The Catholic High School of Baltimore scandal is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting vulnerable populations. As survivors continue to seek justice, institutions must prioritize their members’ safety and well-being over reputational concerns.

The courage of those who have come forward cannot be overstated. Their stories have not only exposed the failures of the past but also paved the way for a safer future.

For additional information, readers can explore the following articles:

WYPR: Baltimore City Catholic High School Removing Name of Nun from Auditorium

NBC Washington: Survivors of Church Sex Abuse Share Stories in Court

CNN: Baltimore Catholic Church Priest Abuse

Baltimore Sun: Baltimore County Teacher Sexual Solicitation Report

WBAL-TV: Church Abuse – Father Joseph Maskell Attorney General Report

Educational institutions everywhere must uphold their responsibility to protect and support the students they serve.

It’s Not Too Late: Seek Justice Under Maryland’s New Child Victims Act

If you were sexually abused or molested in a Maryland school, Church, after-school program, or any other institution, this law empowers you to take action. No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, you can now seek justice and accountability.

Our experienced child sexual abuse attorneys are here to support you every step of the way. Our team is deeply committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and professional representation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Contact The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-967-8529 for a free and confidential consultation. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and are here to listen, advocate, and fight for the justice you deserve. You are not alone; it is never too late to hold those accountable for their actions.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. And we are here to help you find the justice and healing you deserve. Reach out to The Yost Legal Group today—because it’s never too late to hold those responsible accountable.

Athlete Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Lawyer for Sexually Abused

Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers – Catholic Church Sex Abuse Claims

How Grooming Happens & Ways to Protect Children

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Loni Liss

Grooming involves using persuasion and manipulation. If you’re experiencing the pain of child sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are many reasons why these experiences often go unnoticed or unspoken. Please consider reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist who can offer you a safe space to process your feelings and begin your healing journey.

It is important to remember that those who harm children are often individuals familiar with and trusted by them, like healthcare professionals, teachers, school bus drivers, or clergy members.

These individuals may not always resort to physical force. Instead, they might use methods such as play, deception, threats, or other forms of manipulation to involve children and keep them from speaking out.

Our focus should be on creating safer environments and supporting any child who may find themselves in such a difficult situation.

What is Grooming? Key Warning Signs Explained

Grooming is a deliberate and methodical process where an abuser builds trust with a child—and often their family—to facilitate sexual exploitation. It frequently begins with identifying susceptible children who may have certain vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, loneliness, or lack of attention at home.

It can include giving gifts or planning special activities to confuse the child. Abusers might also try to make inappropriate touching seem normal or isolate the child from family and friends.

This slowly breaks down any barriers the child might have against inappropriate behavior.

How Grooming Works and How to Recognize It

One of the most insidious aspects of grooming is how normal it can appear to outsiders. Abusers are adept at presenting themselves as caring figures in the child’s life—sometimes even acting as mentors or friends.

They may integrate themselves into community groups such as schools or sports teams where they have easy access to potential victims. By creating an environment that appears supportive and safe, they effectively mask their true intentions not only from their victims but also from those around them.

As grooming progresses, abusers often escalate their tactics in subtle ways that might not initially raise red flags. This could include introducing sexual content in conversations under the guise of education or jokingly testing boundaries with a physical touch that’s framed as accidental or playful.

These actions gradually desensitize a child to inappropriate behavior while simultaneously conditioning them to maintain secrecy about these interactions.

Child Abuse Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Retrospective research shows that 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005)

Approximately 90% of children are abused by someone known to them, usually someone they know and trust.

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000)

African American children have almost twice the risk of sexual abuse than white children.

Sedlak. Supplementary Analyses of Race Differences in Child Maltreatment Rates in the NIS–4. (2010)

Only about 38% of child sexual abuse incidents/cases are identified, and even fewer are reported.

London, et al. Disclosure of child sexual abuse: What does the research tell us about the ways that children tell? (2003)

Male adult child sexual abuse victims are 2.6 times more likely to report substance use problems (65% versus 25% in the general population).

Simpson, T.L. & Miller, W.R. (2002)

80% of children who have been sexually abused have some PTSD symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Shanta R. Dube, et al. Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Gender of Victim. (2005)

It’s Not Your Fault—Support for Survivors

Survivors of child sexual abuse often find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn from the people around them. It’s important to know that there are allies who understand, believe in your story, and are here to support you on your healing journey.

It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel guilty or blame themselves for what happened. However, you must remember that the abuse was never your fault. Those in positions of authority, such as church leaders, failed to protect you, and holding them accountable is crucial.

Legally, you have rights and options. A child sexual abuse attorney can act as a powerful advocate, offering protection and legal recourse against abusers. If the abuse happened in a place like a school, church, or detention center, it’s essential to share your story.

A sexual assault lawyer works closely with sexual assault survivors, providing gentle care and support. If you experienced abuse under the age of 18 in an institution or government facility, we can help you seek justice.

You’re Not Alone—The Yost Legal Group Can Help

The Yost Legal Group is committed to helping you seek justice. Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland, are here to help you file a lawsuit. The Child Victims Act of 2023 protects survivors. It allows them to come forward no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Were you raped in a juvenile jail in the state of Maryland? Did you suffer child sexual abuse in a school or camp program? Were you molested in an institution or hospital? We can help you file a civil case.

Remember, you deserve to be heard, to receive justice, and to secure financial compensation. Contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for compassionate and confidential legal assistance. We’re here to listen and stand with you when you’re ready to talk.

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