Butler County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

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

Confidential survivor support

VOICE (Victim Outreach Intervention Center) offers free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes. Its 24-hour hotline is 724-283-8700 or toll-free at 1-800-400-8551. Services include crisis support, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling, and referrals.

The Butler County Victim/Witness Program provides case-related help, court accompaniment, victim-rights information, and referrals. Call 724-284-5465 or 724-284-5464. The county describes these services as support through the court process; ask the program about how information you share may be used or disclosed.

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

Butler County is within the Diocese of Pittsburgh. For abuse connected to the Catholic diocese, its Victim Assistance Coordinator, Dr. Emily Belsito, can be reached at 412-456-3093, extension 3712 or toll-free at 1-888-808-1235. The diocese directs reports involving suspected abuse of a current minor to ChildLine.

Contacting a church organization is a personal choice and does not replace reporting to civil authorities. Survivors may first speak with a confidential support provider or an attorney about options for sharing information.

Butler County civil court contact

The Butler County Prothonotary is on the first floor of the Government Center, 124 W. Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001. The office phone is 724-284-5214. The Prothonotary is the official custodian of civil and family court records. Contact the office to confirm filing procedures and fees; 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 6, 2026, House Bills 462 and 464 had not become law. The General Assembly’s latest recorded action on both was June 23, 2026, when Senate discharge motions were dropped from the 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.