Wyoming County Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

This guide summarizes local support, reporting options, court contacts, and general Pennsylvania filing rules for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Wyoming County. Each survivor’s circumstances are different. A confidential consultation with an attorney can help evaluate possible claims and deadlines. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Confidential survivor support

The Victims Resource Center serves Wyoming County and offers free, confidential crisis support and advocacy to victims of crime and their families. Its 24-hour Wyoming County hotline is 570-836-5544. Advocates can provide crisis counseling, information and referrals, safety planning, court and law-enforcement accompaniment, and support for sexual assault survivors. Contacting the center does not require you to report to police or file a lawsuit.

Reporting church-related abuse

Wyoming County is within the Catholic Diocese of Scranton. The diocese lists Mary Beth Pacuska as its Victim Assistance Coordinator at 570-862-7551. Survivors may also report to local law enforcement or the District Attorney. To report suspected child abuse, contact Pennsylvania ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, available 24/7. Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.

Wyoming County court contact

The Wyoming County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office is at 1 Courthouse Square, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. The Prothonotary handles civil filings for the Court of Common Pleas. Call 570-996-2232 to confirm filing procedures, fees, and document requirements. The courthouse is in Tunkhannock, the county seat.

Pennsylvania civil filing deadlines

Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(2), certain civil damages actions arising from sexual abuse that occurred when the survivor was under 18 may be brought within 37 years after turning 18, generally through age 55. The statute also provides a deadline through age 30 for certain claims based on sexual abuse occurring when the claimant was at least 18 and under 24, with specified sexual activity and forcible-compulsion requirements. Definitions, exceptions, and other rules apply, and the deadline depends on the claim and facts.

Many personal injury claims are subject to a two-year limitation under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Claims involving government entities can carry additional requirements, including written notice under § 5522, subject to exceptions. Do not rely on a general overview to decide whether a deadline has passed. Get an individualized review promptly because different claims may have different time limits.

Legislative status

As of November 7, 2026, Pennsylvania House Bills 462 and 464, which proposed changes related to civil claims for childhood sexual abuse, have not become law. The General Assembly lists both bills in the Senate, with the latest action shown as June 23, 2026. Neither bill currently creates an open lookback period. Survivors should check current law and obtain advice about their specific circumstances.

Sean Logue has represented hundreds of survivors of abuse connected to the Boy Scouts of America and children abused in Pennsylvania detention centers. For statewide information, read our Pennsylvania sexual abuse survivor rights and filing deadlines guide.