Michigan Sexual Abuse Survivors Deserve More Than a Report – They Deserve Accountability
Posted on: July 14, 2026 Catholic Church Sexual Abuse
For many survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Michigan, the release of the Attorney General’s latest investigative report represents something deeply personal. It is another public acknowledgment of stories that, for years, were dismissed, hidden, or carried in silence.
The report, which examines abuse allegations within the Diocese of Saginaw, is the sixth in Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s statewide investigation into clergy sexual abuse that began in 2018. It documents allegations involving 38 clergy members dating back to 1950 and reflects years of interviews, document reviews, and survivor testimony.
Behind every page of the report is a person whose life was forever changed.
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, SNAP, commended the survivors and witnesses who found the strength to come forward, recognizing that this investigation would not have been possible without their courage. For many, speaking out required revisiting painful memories in hopes that future generations would be spared similar harm.
“Survivors’ courage and tenacity made this report possible,” said Judy Larson, a Michigan survivor and SNAP Board Secretary. “This report has been years in the making and stands as a testament to the resilience of those who refused to let their voices be silenced.” While the report brings long-overdue recognition to survivors, it also highlights the work that remains.
Although the Attorney General’s office has secured criminal charges and convictions in cases across Michigan during the broader investigation, no new criminal charges resulted from the Saginaw report. Many allegations could not be prosecuted because the accused are deceased, statutes of limitations in Michigan had expired, or legal barriers prevented criminal action.
For survivors, however, accountability is not measured solely by convictions. It is measured by transparency, institutional honesty, and a willingness to acknowledge what happened—and how it was allowed to continue. SNAP continues to call on church leaders to fully account for the abuse documented in the report and to ensure that every allegation is treated with seriousness, compassion, and openness. The organization believes Michigan survivors, their families, and their communities deserve complete transparency about who committed abuse, who knew about it, and what actions were—or were not—taken to protect children and vulnerable people.
The release of this report is not the end of the story. For many survivors, healing is an ongoing journey. Public acknowledgment cannot erase decades of trauma, but it can affirm that their experiences mattered and that their voices helped expose truths that might otherwise have remained hidden. As Michigan’s statewide investigation continues toward its final report, advocates hope these findings will encourage additional survivors to come forward, strengthen safeguards for future generations, and remind institutions everywhere that protecting reputations must never come before protecting people.
Justice is not only about looking back. It is about creating a future where every child is safe, every survivor is heard, and every institution understands that accountability is essential to rebuilding trust.
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Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Michigan Clergy Abuse Victims
If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual abuse within the Michigan Dioceses, contact our firm today. Our law firm handles Michigan sexual abuse lawsuits and can help you understand how long you have to file a clergy abuse claim in the state of Michigan. Call us now at 1-800-941-7209 for a FREE and PRIVATE consultation.