Filing window status
Rhode Island’s revival window is open from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028 — during this period survivors may file civil claims for childhood sexual abuse regardless of how long ago it occurred. Rhode Island also generally allows claims until age 53, or within seven years of when a survivor connects their harm to the abuse. A free, confidential review can confirm your deadline.
Deadlines are state-specific and change often. Even if you think a window has passed, it is worth confirming — exceptions can apply. A free, confidential review can tell you where you stand.
The record
Key Facts
Fact 01
72 credibly accused clergy
Source: Rhode Island Attorney General report, March 2026
Fact 02
315+ victims identified
Source: Rhode Island Attorney General report, March 2026
Fact 03
250,000 pages of records reviewed
Source: Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office
Fact 04
Revival window: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
Source: R.I. legislation signed June 11, 2026
What is documented
The Allegations
The full account
The Record
In March 2026, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released a comprehensive report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, the culmination of an investigation stemming from a 2019 agreement that granted state investigators access to the diocese’s secret archives and personnel files dating to 1950.
The report identified 72 clergy as credibly accused and at least 315 victims, reviewing 250,000 pages of documents and conducting roughly 150 interviews. It found that for more than 70 years the diocese systematically concealed abuse, prioritizing institutional reputation over child safety, and historically did not report complaints to law enforcement. Incidents peaked in the 1960s and 1970s; victims took an average of 26 years to report.
Rhode Island has since opened a revival window for civil childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. Governor Dan McKee signed the legislation on June 11, 2026, and the window runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.
Sources & attribution