State College Clergy Abuse Survivor Rights and Legal Options

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

Centre Safe provides confidential advocacy and support, including hospital accompaniment and referrals. Its 24-hour hotline is 814-234-5050 or 1-877-234-5050.

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

State College is within the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. The diocese lists Jean Johnstone as Victim Assistance Coordinator at 814-944-9388. Its church-related minor abuse reporting hotline is 833-685-8661. Contacting a church organization is a personal choice and does not replace reporting to civil authorities. A confidential support provider or attorney can help you consider how to proceed.

Centre County civil court contact

The Centre County Prothonotary’s Office is at 102 South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Call 814-355-6796 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.