Lancaster Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

If you experienced sexual abuse connected to a church, clergy member, or religious organization in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster

YWCA Lancaster provides a 24-hour sexual assault hotline at 717-392-7273. Survivors can call for confidential support, 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

Lancaster County is within the Diocese of Harrisburg. The diocese lists a Victim Assistance Coordinator, Michelle Shae, at 717-657-4804 ext. 234, and a diocesan reporting hotline at 800-626-1608. 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.

Lancaster civil court contact

The Lancaster County Prothonotary’s Office is at 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608. Call 717-299-8282 to confirm filing procedures and fees. 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.