Bethlehem and Easton Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

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

Confidential support in the Lehigh Valley

Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley serves survivors and families in the Bethlehem–Easton area and offers free, confidential support. Its 24-hour hotline is 610-437-6611. Call for counseling, advocacy, and referrals.

For immediate danger call 911. To report suspected child abuse, contact Pennsylvania ChildLine at 800-932-0313 or local law enforcement.

Reporting abuse connected to a church

Bethlehem and Easton are within the Diocese of Allentown. The diocese lists Wendy Krisak-Kalamar as Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1-800-791-9209. Reporting to a church organization is a personal choice and does not replace contacting civil authorities. A confidential support provider or attorney can help you consider how to proceed.

County civil court contacts

Bethlehem spans Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and Easton is in Northampton County. For a Lehigh County filing, contact the Prothonotary at the courthouse, 455 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101, 610-782-3148. For Northampton County, contact the Prothonotary at the Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, 610-559-3060. Confirm filing procedures and fees with the appropriate office; court staff cannot provide 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. How the statute applies 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. 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.