Potter County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights

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

Support and reporting in Potter County

You can reach out for support without deciding whether to make a report or pursue a legal claim. A Way Out is a Potter County nonprofit serving survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Its confidential crisis counseling and support are available 24 hours a day at 814-274-0240 or 877-334-3136. Services include counseling, legal advocacy, accompaniment, and referrals.

The Potter County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Coordinator can explain victim services and court processes. The county lists Anita Eaton at 814-274-8174, extension 237. The Pennsylvania ChildLine accepts reports of suspected child abuse at 1-800-932-0313. Call 911 or local police if someone is in immediate danger.

For abuse involving clergy, employees, or volunteers of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Erie encourages contacting law enforcement. Its Victim Assistance Coordinator, Dr. Gerard Tobin, can be reached at 814-451-1521 for counseling assistance and referrals. The Diocese also lists 814-451-1543 for reporting abuse directly to it. Contacting a church does not replace reporting to public authorities when a child may be at risk.

Potter County court information

Coudersport is the county seat. The Potter County Courthouse is at One East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. The Court Administrator’s office is in Room 30 and is listed at 814-274-9720. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts is in Room 23; the office handles civil filings and lists its phone as 814-274-9740. The county also has Magisterial District Courts in Coudersport, Galeton, and Shinglehouse. Check with the appropriate office for current hours and filing procedures.

Pennsylvania filing deadlines for childhood sexual abuse

Deadlines depend on the survivor’s age, when the abuse occurred, the defendant, and the claims involved. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(2), a civil action for damages arising from sexual abuse that occurred when the person was under 18 generally may be brought within 37 years after the person reaches age 18 (through age 55). The statute also provides a deadline through age 30 for certain civil actions arising from sexual abuse that occurred when a person was at least 18 but under 24. Statutory definitions and other facts can affect how these provisions apply.

Many personal-injury claims are subject to a two-year limitation period under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. A claim 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 exceptions. These rules can interact. Get advice based on the specific facts rather than relying on a general deadline.

As of November 7, 2026, House Bills 462 and 464 have not been enacted and have not created a new civil lookback window. The bills remain in the Senate after House passage. Legislative status and court interpretations can change, so promptly verify the law with a Pennsylvania attorney.

Options for survivors and families

A survivor may choose to speak with an advocate or counselor, make a report, ask an institution about safeguarding or record preservation, or consult a lawyer about civil options. You can seek support without deciding whether to take legal action. If useful, preserve information such as approximate dates, locations, names, correspondence, and prior reports. If you have a deadline question, do not wait to get legal advice.

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. See the statewide Pennsylvania child sexual abuse survivor rights and filing deadlines guide for more information.

Sources and disclaimer

Local support, court, and reporting information is linked above. Additional official sources: Pennsylvania Courts Prothonotaries directory, Pennsylvania Courts Court Administrators directory, Pennsylvania ChildLine, and the Pennsylvania General Assembly pages for HB 462 and HB 464. This page is for general information only, not legal advice. Contact an attorney about your circumstances and any possible deadline.