Pike County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights

Information reviewed November 7, 2026. This guide provides general information for people affected by sexual abuse connected to clergy or religious organizations in Pike County, Pennsylvania. It is not legal advice and does not determine whether a particular claim is timely.

Support and reporting in Pike County

You can seek support even if you are not ready to report abuse or pursue a legal claim. The Victims’ Intervention Program (VIP) serves Pike and Wayne Counties. Its 24-hour hotline is 570-253-4401 or 570-296-HELP. VIP provides confidential support, advocacy, counseling referrals, and accompaniment for medical and court-related appointments, including for survivors of sexual assault.

The Pike County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Program can explain services and court processes. The state directory lists the program at 570-296-6620; the DA’s Office main number is 570-296-3482. For suspected child abuse, contact Pennsylvania ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, available 24 hours a day. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 or local police.

For concerns involving Catholic clergy, employees, or volunteers in the Diocese of Scranton, the Diocese lists Victim Assistance Coordinator Mary Beth Pacuska at 570-862-7551. Reporting to a church or support organization does not replace contacting law enforcement when a child may be at risk.

Pike County court information

Pike County’s seat is Milford. The Pike County Courthouse is at 412 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337. The Court Administration office is in Suite 4 and can be reached at 570-296-3556; listed public hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Prothonotary, which handles many civil court filings, is at the courthouse and can be reached at 570-296-7231. Confirm current procedures and hours with the court before visiting.

Pennsylvania filing deadlines for childhood sexual abuse

Deadlines depend on the survivor’s age, when the abuse occurred, the defendant, and the legal claims involved. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(2), a civil action for damages based on childhood sexual abuse generally may be filed until 37 years after the survivor reaches age 18 (through age 55). A separate provision applies to certain survivors who were ages 18 through 23 when the abuse occurred and were subjected to force, threat, or coercion; it generally allows filing through age 30. The statute has specific definitions and conditions, so a lawyer should assess how it applies to an individual case.

Many other personal-injury claims are subject to a two-year limitation period under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Claims involving a government unit may also raise written-notice requirements under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522, which can require notice within six months, subject to statutory exceptions. These rules can interact, and a deadline may be disputed. Do not assume that a general deadline or an exception applies without advice about the facts.

As of November 7, 2026, Pennsylvania House Bills 462 and 464 have not been enacted. They therefore have not created a new civil lookback window. Because legislative status and court interpretations can change, verify the law promptly with a Pennsylvania attorney.

Options for survivors and families

Survivors may choose to speak with a counselor or advocate, make a report, ask an institution about its safeguarding and record-preservation process, or consult a lawyer about civil options. You can seek confidential support without deciding whether to take legal action. Consider preserving information such as approximate dates, locations, names, correspondence, and any prior reports. Do not delay getting legal advice if you have questions about a deadline.

Sean Logue has represented hundreds of survivors of abuse connected to the Boy Scouts of America and children abused in Pennsylvania detention centers. Every matter depends on its own facts; no result is guaranteed. Read the statewide Pennsylvania child sexual abuse survivor rights and filing deadlines guide for more information.

Sources and disclaimer

Local service, court, and reporting contacts are linked above. Additional official sources: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency victim services directory, Pennsylvania Courts Prothonotaries directory, Pennsylvania Courts Court Administrators directory, and Pennsylvania ChildLine. This page is for general informational purposes only, not legal advice. Contact an attorney about your circumstances and possible deadlines.