The clergy & priest sexual abuse lawyers and attorneys at National Injury Help are highly concerned about this epidemic of clergy abuse in Pennsylvania, and will help any victim of priest sexual abuse no matter when or where the sexual abuse took place.
Here are some of the common questions on clergy & priest sexual abuse our law firm is asked.
Who can sue a church for clergy abuse in Pennsylvania?
With the new sex crime laws just enacted in Pennsylvania, anyone up to the age of 55 can now sue for past sexual assault crimes.
If you or someone you love in Pennsylvania has suffered any form of sexual abuse at the hands of trusted priests, fathers, ministers or any other church staff member we will take stern and swift action. We understand that it may be difficult for victims to come forward, but in doing so you’ll show other victims that justice can be had. Take the time today to report any sexual abuse you may have encountered in your Pennsylvania church.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania for Clergy Abuse?
Because many of these church organizations hid or manipulated reporting of sexual abuse, courts may choose to not apply any statute of limitations (SOL) for filing sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania, even years later you can still file a clergy abuse lawsuit.
New changes in Pennsylvania’s Sex Crime Laws go into effect.
Previously, most victims of childhood sexual abuse only had until the age of 23 to bring criminal charges or to seek damages in civil lawsuits. Pennsylvania’s SOL is one year; please see details below for extensions in the SOL.
If the victim brings a claim against a church or school which administered the perpetrator, or any action that is based in negligence, rather than criminal behavior, the SOL is 12 years
Pa. Cons. Stat. tit. 42 § 5533(b) Extended Statute of Limitations (SOL) Section 5533(b) (2) of Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to provide a SOL of 12 years from the date of a victim reaching his or her age of majority (18). The act also provides, however, that the amendment to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b) shall not be applied to revive an action that has been barred by an existing statute of limitations on the effective date of the act.
Who is committing clerical sexual abuse in Pennsylvania?
Reports of sexual abuse across Pennsylvania State are mostly on men priests, Fathers and ministers; however sexual abuse can occur from other church members including:
- Church Staff Members
- Church Volunteers
- Nuns
- Church Administrators
- Bishops
- Deacons
- Sunday School Teachers
- Field Strip Supervisors
- Church Bus Drivers
Other types of clergy sexual abuse questions are as follows:
“My child said he/she was sexually abused at a Pennsylvania church – can I sue the church?”
Is there an age limitation in Pennsylvania for filing a church abuse claim? Again since the law was just updated, it used to be 23 years old or younger. We’re seeing many states courts now go up to 55 years old or younger.
“As an adult I was afraid to come forward with my church sexual abuse claim – Can I now file later now I’m older?
This is one of the most common questions we’re asked. The short answer is yes, we understand the trauma of being a victim and many times it may takes years before you are ready or feel comfortable in seeking legal help. No matter what the reason is for waiting to file a sexual abuse claim against the church or priest, we are here to listen and to offer our help. Call 1-800-214-1010 directly to speak to one of our kind and understanding case managers.
How do I file a clergy or priest lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Were you sexually abused by a trusted church member, or know a victim in the State of Pennsylvania? Contact us by calling 1-800-214-1010 or use the secure contact form at the bottom of this page. Take Action Now and help prevent more clerical abuse in churches and houses of worship.
Resources for Clergy/Church/Priest Sexual Abuse Victims in Pennsylvania
If you suspect any form of sexual abuse in a church or your Pennsylvania State dioceses, you may report them by calling us at 1-800-214-1010, all calls are handled with the utmost privacy.
If you are a clergy sexual abuse victim and need a support group we recommend the tremendous work done by The SNAP Network. Please visit their website at: http://www.snapnetwork.org
Who is SNAP? Here is their mission statement:
Today SNAP is the largest, oldest and most active self-help group for clergy sex abuse victims, whether assaulted by ministers, priests, nuns or rabbis. SNAP is a confidential, safe place for wounded men and women to be heard, supported and healed. SNAP works tirelessly to achieve two goals: to heal the wounded and to protect the vulnerable. The organization has more than 25,000 members and support groups meet in over 60 cities across the U.S. and the world.
Clergy Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyers, Pennsylvania Church Crimes page updated on August 23, 2019
