Warren County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights

This guide summarizes local support and general Pennsylvania civil filing rules for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Warren County. Every survivor’s circumstances are different. A confidential conversation with an attorney can help assess possible claims and deadlines; this page is general information, not legal advice.

Confidential support and reporting

A Safe Place provides confidential support and advocacy for sexual violence survivors in Warren County. Its 24-hour local hotline is 814-726-1030; toll-free hotline: 1-800-338-3460. Advocates can discuss options and accompany survivors to medical, police, or court appointments. You can seek support without first deciding whether to report or file a lawsuit.

If the alleged abuse involved a Catholic clergy member or church employee or volunteer, the Diocese of Erie lists several contacts: report directly to the diocese at 814-451-1543; contact its independent investigators at ErieRCD@KLGates.com; or reach its Victim Assistance Coordinator at 814-451-1521 for counseling assistance and referrals. A survivor may also contact law enforcement or seek advice from independent counsel. For suspected child abuse, Pennsylvania ChildLine is available 24/7 at 1-800-932-0313; call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.

Warren County court contact

The Warren County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts is at the Warren County Courthouse, 204 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA 16365. The office phone is 814-728-3440. The Prothonotary handles civil court records and filings. Contact the office or an attorney to confirm current filing procedures, fees, and which court has jurisdiction before submitting documents.

Pennsylvania civil filing deadlines

Pennsylvania law provides a 37-year period after turning 18 to bring certain civil damages actions arising from sexual abuse that occurred when the survivor was under 18—generally through age 55. Section 5533(b)(2) also covers specified sexual activity involving a person age 23 or younger and an adult where the statutory coercion requirements are met, with a deadline generally extending to age 30. The statute has detailed definitions and exceptions; the correct deadline depends on the facts and the legal claims involved.

Many personal injury claims are subject to a two-year limitation under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Claims involving government entities can have special rules, including written notice requirements under § 5522, with exceptions. Do not assume that a deadline has expired—or that a claim remains timely—without an individualized legal review. Preserve relevant records and seek advice promptly.

Legislative update

As of November 7, 2026, Pennsylvania House Bills 462 and 464, which proposed changes related to civil claims for childhood sexual abuse, have not become law; the General Assembly lists both in the Senate, with the latest action shown as June 23, 2026. They do not create an open lookback window. Survivors should rely on current law and obtain advice about their own deadlines.

Sean Logue has represented hundreds of survivors of abuse connected to the Boy Scouts of America and children abused in Pennsylvania detention centers. To learn more about Pennsylvania survivor rights and filing deadlines, visit our Pennsylvania sexual abuse resource.