Preparing a Private Timeline for an Institutional Abuse Consultation

A short, private timeline can help organize a first conversation about institutional sexual abuse. It does not need to be complete, and it should not turn uncertain memories into precise statements. Begin with the information you already have and ask Logue Law what would be useful next.

You can request a consultation without preparing a timeline. This guide is an optional way to organize names, periods, reports and records. It is not a requirement to write a detailed account of abuse.

Start with the institution and the period involved

Write down the program’s name, location and any former name you remember. If more than one school, placement, camp or facility was involved, list each separately. Note the approximate years and whether you remember a school grade, season, transfer or other event that helps explain the timeframe.

Use descriptions such as “approximately,” “during the school year” or “date unknown” when appropriate. Do not choose an exact date simply because a form has a date field.

Use five simple fields for each entry

1. When: A date, approximate range or period you can describe.
2. Where: The institution, location or activity.
3. What the entry concerns: A brief description such as enrollment, transfer, a report or a response.
4. Source: Your recollection, a document, or information someone else provided.
5. Uncertainty or follow-up: What is unknown, missing or different from another source.

Keep the first version brief. You do not need to include graphic details, private information about other survivors or every event in your life. Discuss the appropriate scope and secure delivery with the firm.

Example entries

The following examples are fictional and illustrate organization only:

• Fall, year uncertain: Began attending the program. Source: personal recollection. Enrollment letter not located.
• Approximate spring term: Spoke with an administrator about a concern. Source: personal recollection. Administrator’s surname uncertain.
• Date shown on a letter: Received a written response. Source: letter already in my possession. Keep the original with the document list.

An entry can identify an event without claiming that it proves what another person knew or why an institution acted.

Separate memories from documents and later information

Label firsthand recollection separately from what someone later told you. If an email suggests a different date from the one you remember, note both and explain the difference. Do not alter an original document or rewrite your recollection merely to make the sources agree.

Keep a simple document list alongside the timeline. Numbering available items can help you refer to a letter or message without copying sensitive contents into every entry. See our records and missing-information guide.

Add reports and responses as separate entries

Record when you contacted an institution or agency, the recipient’s role, how contact occurred and any acknowledgment you have. Place a later response in its own entry. Distinguish the date of an event from the date you learned about it or reported it.

Our Pennsylvania reporting guide identifies official resources. Preparing a timeline or contacting the firm does not itself submit a report.

Keep the timeline private and arrange delivery

Consider who can access your device, account, paper files or notifications. Do not place the timeline in a public post or shared account simply to make it easier to find. Ask the firm which information it needs and how to transfer it securely. You can describe the document without attaching it to an ordinary website inquiry.

Common questions

What if I only remember a few events?

That can be enough to begin a conversation. Leave gaps visible and identify uncertainties. A complete history is not required to request an initial consultation.

Can a support person help?

A trusted person may help organize papers or practical questions. Identify who wrote each part and whose recollection it reflects. Discuss participation and privacy with the firm before sharing sensitive information.

Should I contact other participants to fill gaps?

You do not need to do that before the consultation. Identify possible sources or witnesses for counsel and discuss appropriate next steps while respecting other people’s privacy.

What if I later remember something different?

Explain the change and when it arose. Keep track of revisions rather than silently changing a dated account. Ask counsel how to handle additional information.

Begin with the information you have

Call 412-387-6901 or request a free initial consultation. Share a safe way to respond and mention any upcoming meeting or legal notice. The firm evaluates each matter individually; an inquiry does not establish representation.

Read our first-consultation guide or return to the Pennsylvania institutional abuse overview.