Allegheny County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

If you experienced sexual abuse connected to a church, clergy member, or religious organization in Allegheny County, you may have questions about support, reporting, and legal options. This page offers general information, not legal advice. The facts of each case can affect the available claims and deadlines.

Confidential survivor support

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) provides free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Its 24-hour helpline is 1-866-363-7273. PAAR can connect survivors with counseling, advocacy, hospital support, and help navigating civil and criminal processes. Services are available regardless of whether a survivor chooses to report to police.

Center for Victims also offers support and victim services in Allegheny County. Call its 24-hour helpline at 1-866-644-2882.

For immediate danger, call 911. If you suspect that a child is being abused, report it to Pennsylvania ChildLine at 800-932-0313.

Reporting abuse connected to a church

For abuse connected to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, the diocese lists Emily Belsito as Victim Assistance Coordinator at 412-456-3093, extension 3712. Its church-related abuse hotline is 1-888-808-1235. The diocese directs people to report suspected abuse of a current minor to ChildLine.

Contacting a church organization is a personal choice and does not replace reporting to civil authorities. A survivor may contact PAAR or an attorney before deciding what information to share or with whom.

Allegheny County civil court contact

The Allegheny County Department of Court Records, Civil/Family Division, is on the first floor of the City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The office phone is 412-350-5729. The Civil Division office is on the seventh and eighth floors and can be reached at 412-350-0591. Call to confirm filing procedures, fees, and venue. Court staff cannot give legal advice.

Pennsylvania civil filing deadlines

Pennsylvania law generally allows a person whose civil action arises from sexual abuse that occurred before age 18 to file a qualifying damages claim until age 55. A separate provision may allow a person abused between ages 18 and 24 to file certain claims until age 30. The statute’s application depends on the claim and circumstances; an attorney should assess any potential deadline promptly.

As of November 7, 2026, House Bills 462 and 464 had not become law. Their latest recorded action was June 23, 2026, when discharge motions were dropped from the Senate calendar. Proposed legislation does not itself create a new filing window.

Getting legal guidance

An attorney can review the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties, and explain possible claims and deadlines. Sean Logue has represented hundreds of survivors of abuse connected to the Boy Scouts of America and children abused in Pennsylvania detention centers. Learn more about Pennsylvania sexual abuse legal resources.

This information is educational and is not a substitute for legal advice about your circumstances.