Pennsylvania Priest Abuse Grand Jury Report
In 2018, a grand jury published the Pennsylvania Diocese Victims Report. This report was the result of a two-year investigation into six of the eight Catholic Dioceses in Pennsylvania.
The grand jury investigated child sexual abuse claims in the following Pennsylvania Dioceses:
- Allentown Diocese
- Erie Diocese
- Greensburg Diocese
- Harrisburg Diocese
- Pittsburgh Diocese
- Scranton Diocese
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese were excluded from the investigation. These dioceses were part of earlier grand jury reports.
For this report, the grand jury heard testimony from victims and reviewed more than 500,000 internal diocesan documents on abuse. The report reviewed abuse allegations spanning 70 years, with claims documented as early as the 1940s.
Key Findings Of The Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
Abusers
- The report identified more than 300 abusive clergy members.
- Many of the priests identified were deceased, dismissed or retired from the ministry.
- Of the more than 300 clergy members identified in the report, only two priests were criminally charged after the report.
Victims
- The report identified more than 1,000 victims of clergy abuse.
- The majority of the victims identified were boys, though girls were victims in some cases.
The Church’s Role In The Abuse
The grand jury report also looked at how Catholic Church leaders responded to reports of abuse. In most of the cases studied by the grand jury, church officials kept the abuse quiet to avoid scandal.
Church leaders used multiple tactics to avoid public scrutiny:
- Church leaders downplayed the nature of the abuse in their reports.
- Church leaders moved abusive priests to new parishes instead of dismissing the priests.
- Church leaders neglected to report abuse claims to local law enforcement agencies.
Legal Consequences Of The Report
Out of more than 300 abusive clergy members identified in the grand jury report, only two of these cases fell within the legal deadline to file criminal charges. These two abuse cases were relatively recent.
The majority of the credible abuse cases identified by the grand jury report fell outside of Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations.
This means prosecutors can no longer press criminal charges against an abuser once the criminal statute of limitations has passed. Likewise, victims cannot file a civil lawsuit against an abuser once the civil statute has expired.
Pennsylvania Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
The majority of the clergy abuse cases in Pennsylvania have expired in the legal system because the incidents took place decades ago. This means many survivors of clergy abuse are unable to file civil lawsuits against their abusers.
In 2019, recognizing this obstacle, Pennsylvania lawmakers extended the legal deadline for survivors to file civil claims against an abuser. They also eliminated the criminal statute for most felony sexual offenses against minors.
However, even with these new deadlines in place, many survivors in Pennsylvania are still barred from legal action.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Priest Sexual Abuse In Pennsylvania?
All legal claims of child sexual abuse filed in Pennsylvania must follow the state’s statute of limitations.
A statute of limitations (SOL) is a legal deadline. SOLs vary based on the jurisdiction, the crime and the intended legal action (criminal charges versus a civil claim).
In Pennsylvania, there are two different statutes for child sexual abuse claims. There is one statute for pressing criminal charges and another for filing a civil lawsuit against an abuser.
Pennsylvania Civil Statute For Child Sex Abuse
In Pennsylvania, victims of child sexual abuse may file a civil lawsuit against their abuser until they reach the age of 55.
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Speak With Our Lawyers About Pennsylvania’s Statutes Today
Pennsylvania Criminal Statute For Child Sex Abuse
As of 2019, there is no criminal statute of limitations for most felony sexual offenses against a minor in the state of Pennsylvania. For other felonies and misdemeanors, criminal charges must be brought forth before the victim turns 55 years of age.
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Consider “Look Back” Window
To allow more survivors to bring forward claims, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a two-year “look back” window. During a “look back” window, any survivor of child sexual abuse would be able to file a civil lawsuit, regardless of when the abuse took place.
Several other states, including California, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina, opened similar “look back” windows for child sexual abuse survivors.
Lawmakers planned to open the “look back” window using a constitutional amendment. Unfortunately, due to a government error, a public vote on the amendment has been pushed back. Lawmakers are now considering multiple options to open the “look back” window sooner for survivors.
Pennsylvania Dioceses’ Settlements And Compensation Funds
In recent years, Pennsylvania survivors of clergy abuse have had several avenues to seek compensation. Some have sought the use of victim compensation funds. Other survivors have chosen to sue dioceses within the legal system, receiving settlements or awards.
Pennsylvania Dioceses’ Victim Compensation Funds
As of September 2019, all Pennsylvania Dioceses’ victim compensation funds are closed to new claims.
Following the 2018 grand jury report, seven of the eight Pennsylvania Catholic Dioceses opened victim compensation funds. Victim compensation funds are commonly used by Catholic dioceses across the country to compensate victims of clergy abuse.
The following Catholic dioceses opened victim compensation funds in Pennsylvania:
- Allentown Diocese
- Erie Diocese
- Greensburg Diocese
- Harrisburg Diocese
- Philadelphia Archdiocese
- Pittsburgh Diocese
- Scranton Diocese
The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown chose not to open a compensation fund for victims of sexual abuse. The diocese cited financial hardships for its decision. The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown previously owed more than $17 million in settlements and legal fees related to clergy abuse.
Administrators of the seven Pennsylvania Dioceses’ compensation funds are now reviewing filed claims and allocating money to victims.
Erie Diocese’s Independent Survivors’ Reparation Program (ISRP)
In March 2020, amid the initial coronavirus state lockdowns, the Erie Diocese paused its ISRP. At the time, roughly 40 cases were still pending in the program. The diocese cited a decline in its investments as the reason behind the pause. The Erie Diocese made its final payments through the program in March 2021.
Read more about the Erie Diocese’s victim compensation fund here >
Harrisburg Diocese Bankruptcy
On February 19, 2020, the Diocese of Harrisburg became the first diocese in the state of Pennsylvania to file for bankruptcy.
Following the release of the 2018 grand jury report, the Harrisburg Diocese created the Survivor Compensation Program. The program paid $12.1 million to 106 victims of priest abuse. However, the program did not end the stream of lawsuits filed against the diocese.
In order to handle new litigation, the Harrisburg Diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy proceedings are currently underway.
Pennsylvania Dioceses Settlements
Many victims of clergy abuse in Pennsylvania have received settlements through victim compensation funds. However, some survivors have chosen to settle their grievances in court.
$2 Million | Erie Diocese
In March 2019, the Erie Diocese paid $2 million to a survivor of clergy abuse. The plaintiff was a victim of David L. Poulson, a priest with the Erie Diocese. Poulson assaulted the plaintiff approximately 20 times between 2002 and 2010. He was one of the two priests criminally charged following the Pennsylvania grand jury report.
List Of Accused Priests In Pennsylvania By Diocese
The list below includes the names of clergy members and Pennsylvania priests accused of abuse. It does not include employees, volunteers or congregation members accused of abuse in the Pennsylvania Dioceses.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a Catholic priest or clergy member in the state of Pennsylvania, you may have legal rights to compensation. Contact us today and learn more about the legal opportunities available. You deserve justice.
Survivors May Be Eligible For Compensation
Learn About Filing a Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
There Are 140 Accused Clergy Members From The Archdiocese Of Philadelphia, PA:
- Avery, Edward V.
- Ayres, William G.
- Barr, Philip R.
- Behan, James J.
- Bolesta, Michael C.
- Bowe, John F.
- Bradley, H. Cornell
- Bransfield (Bp), Michael J.
- Brennan, James J.
- Brennan, Robert L.
- Broughan, Leonard W.
- Brugger, Craig F.
- Brzyski, James J.
- Cadwallader, George B.
- Cahill, Raymond J.
- Campbell, Hugh P.
- Cannon, John A.
- Castellani, Paul A.
- Catullo, Pasquale R.
- Chambers, Gerard W.
- Chapman, Michael A.
- Chappell, Arthur B.
- Close, John A.
- Cochrane, Richard J.
- Collins, James J.
- Conroy, Michael F.
- Coonan, James J.
- Costigan, George A.
- Cudemo, Nicholas V.
- Delli Carpini, John J.
- DePaoli, Edward M.
- DiGregorio, Joseph L.
- Dolan, Richard D.
- Donofrio, Michael J.
- Dougherty, John C.
- Dougherty, William J.
- Dowling, Philip J.
- Dunne, Peter J.
- Durante, Ernest A.
- Durkin, Thomas J.
- Dux, James M.
- Engelhardt, Charles F.
- Feret, Francis S.
- Fernandes, Mark E.
- Flood, J. Michael
- Furmanski, Leonard A.
- Gaghan, Robert W.
- Gallagher, Francis J.
- Gallagher, Joseph J.
- Gallagher, Joseph P.
- Gana, Stanley M.
- Garcia, Armand D.
- Gaspar, Mark S.
- Gausch, Joseph P.
- Giliberti, Francis A.
- Gillespie, John E.
- Ginn, Charles, Jr.
- Givey, David W.
- Glatts, Joseph M.
- Grumm, Thomas J.
- Hagan, David I.
- Harris, Steven
- Haynes, Mark J.
- Henry, James T.
- Hermley, Robert J.
- Hoffman, Gerard J.
- Howitz, Regis
- Hoy, Daniel J.
- Hummell, John F.
- Iannarella, James M.
- Janowski, Stanley
- Jones, Richard G.
- Joseph, William T.
- Killian, William N.
- Kline, John
- Kohler, Thomas M.
- Kolenkiewicz, Louis J.
- Kornacki, Matthew J.
- Kostelnick, Albert T.
- Kuczynski, Edward P.
- Lanctot, Dexter A.
- Lawlor, David T.
- Leneweaver, Raymond O.
- Liggio, John R.
- Logrip, Joseph L.
- Macanga, Joseph E.
- Marinucci, Steven J.
- Martins, Nilo C.
- Mazzotta, George J.
- McCafferty, Joseph F.
- McCarthy, Michael J.
- McCole, John F.
- McColgan, Charles P.
- McCormick, Andrew D.
- McGinnis III, James J.
- McGuire, James E.
- McKenzie, Joseph M.
- McLoughlin, Richard J.
- Meyers, John F.
- Mills, Donald J.
- Monahan, Joseph R.
- Mulholland, John H.
- Murray, John J.
- Murtha, Michael G.
- Navit, Zachary
- Nawn, Henry "Harry" J.
- Newman, Charles
- Paul, John P.
- Perzan, Stephen B.
- Peterson, Leonard
- Pinkowski, Terrance
- Podson, Ted (Theodore)
- Polini, Anthony W.
- Povish, Robert
- Powers, Richard T.
- Reardon, John D.
- Rogers (in Philly), Francis P.
- Rooney, Thomas
- Sabadish, Joseph F.
- Santry, William L.
- Satchell, Martin J.
- Schaeflein, Charles J.
- Schmeer, John P.
- Shea, Thomas F.
- Sicoli, David C.
- Siegele, Charles J.
- Smart, Raymond W.
- Smith, Edward J.
- Smith, Thomas J.
- Sobotka, DePaul
- Steingraber, Louis M.
- Swierzy, Michael W.
- Talocci, Peter
- Taraborelli, Carmen F.
- Thomas, Joseph W.
- Trauger, Francis X.
- Vath, Aloysius H.
- Walls, David E.
- Wiejata, Sylwester
- Wisniewski, Thomas J.
There Are 51 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Allentown, PA:
- Baruch, John S.
- Bender, Thomas J.
- Benestad, Thomas J.
- Bonilla Margarito, Luis A.
- Cofenas, Robert G.
- Connell, David
- Fink, Felix C.
- Flanagan, Bernard A.
- Ford, Richard J.
- Forish, Stephen T
- Fromholzer, Francis (Frank) J.
- Gaffney, James F.
- Galko, Joseph D.
- Ganster, Edward G.
- Gillespie, Francis T.
- Giuliani/Guiliani, Richard J
- Graff, Edward R.
- Houseknecht, Leo J.
- Hulko, Joseph D.
- Jones, William E.
- Kean, Joseph H.
- Kerestus, Thomas J.
- Kopec, Bronislaus J.
- Kuzmann, Robert J.
- Lawrence, Michael S.
- Lonergan, Kevin
- Maslar, William J.
- Mathis, Joseph L.
- McHale, James J.
- McNelis, Francis Joseph
- Mihalak, James J.
- Mraz, John Stephen
- Nave, Francis
- Patil, Gabriel M.
- Potts, Robert J.
- Puza, Paul G.
- Rigney, Dennis A.
- Rock, Joseph A.
- Royer, Gerald J.
- Ruffenach, Charles J.
- Sabas, John P./John Pascal
- Shields, William J.
- Shigo, Stephen F.
- Soderlund, David A.
- Strassner, Henry E.
- Tucci, Bruno M.
- Uhrig, A. Gregory
- Ulincy, Andrew Aloysius
- Yarrosh, Ronald J.
- Zmijewski, Joseph A.
- Zolondek, John G.
There Are 47 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Altoona-Johnstown, PA:
- Ackerson, Francis
- Arsenault, David
- Bender, Joseph J.
- Biller, Harold N.
- Bodenschatz, Peter
- Bodziak, Charles F.
- Boyle, John J.
- Brady, Martin D. or A.
- Bunn, James F.
- Burkhardt, Harold J.
- Campbell, Andrew S.
- Carroll, Thomas M.
- Cherry, Athanasius C.
- Cingle, Martin A
- Coleman, Dennis E.
- Coveney, James B.
- Downey, Alvin T.
- Dusza, Donald W.
- Fabbri, Mario
- Figurelle, Elwood F.
- Gaborek, Joseph
- Grattan, Bernard V.
- Inman, Leonard
- Kelly, Robert Joseph
- Koharchik, George D.
- Kovach, William
- Lemmon, Thomas M.
- Little, Anthony M.
- Luddy, Francis E.
- Mabon, Thomas K.
- Maurizio, Joseph D
- Mazur, Robert C.
- McCaa, Francis
- McCamley, Martin D.
- Misurda, Matthew E.
- Myers, Regis
- Neetz, Christian
- O'Friel, Daniel F.
- Palko, John J.
- Petracca, Anthony J.
- Ream, Gerard J.
- Riforgiato, Leonard
- Rosensteel, William A.
- Skupien, James F.
- Strittmatter, Joseph J.
- Waldruff, Raymond
- Wolfe, Benedict
There Are 58 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Erie, PA:
- Amy, Michael J.
- Anderson, Stephen A.
- Barletta, Michael G.
- Bolton, Donald
- Bower, Robert F.
- Chludzinski, Dennis C.
- Ciufoli, Bonaventure M.
- Cooper, Donald J.
- Cray, Kevin E.
- Daly, G. Matthew
- Dobrowolski, David V.
- Furjanic, Gregory P.
- Gawronski, Chester J.
- Gloekler, Herbert G.
- Hannon, Robert E.
- Healy, Patrick J.
- Hopkins, James P. or F.
- Hudock, Barry M.
- Jerge, Joseph W.
- Jeselnick, Stephen E.
- Jungquist, Edward W.
- Kaza, Charles A.
- Kelley, Thomas C.
- Kerins, Sean P.
- Ketcham, Gary L.
- Kondzielski, Thaddeus T.
- Kraus, Conrad L.
- Krebs, Gerard/Gerald
- Kucan/Kucon, Jerome/John
- Lazar, Fidelis G.
- Lechner, Thomas M.
- Lorei, Louis H.
- Luzzi, Salvatore P.
- Lynch, Richard D.
- Martin, Daniel J
- McGee, Jr., H. Desmond
- Meisinger, Joseph F.
- Muroski, Leon T.
- Murphy, Edmundus
- Murray, John L.
- Nealen, Giles L.
- Olowin, Jan C.
- Pawlaczyk, Andrew W.
- Piatkowski, John A.
- Poulson, David
- Presley, William F.
- Reszkowski, Joseph V.
- Rice, William A.
- Schanz, John P.
- Schmitt, Charles R.
- Sheets, Charles A., Jr.
- Skeabeck, Mary Carmel
- Slocum, Samuel B.
- Smith, Thomas E.
- Snyderwine, Thomas
- Taylor, Daniel J.
- Tome, John
- Vallimont, Patrick B.
There Are 23 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Greensburg, PA:
- Bonafed, Joseph E.
- Clark, James W.
- Dellamalva, Dennis
- Flohr, Gregory
- Gruber, Mark F. X.
- Guth, Charles B.
- Kawecki, Andrew M.
- Lesniak, Francis M.
- Lukac, Raymond
- Marcinek, Henry J.
- Matusak, Michael W.
- Moslener, Robert
- Nyeste, John J.
- Oris, Fabian G.
- Pierce, George R.
- Premoshis, Gregory F.
- Sanesi, Leonard
- Sinclair, Roger A.
- Sredzinski, Joseph L.
- Sweeney, John Thomas
- Tamilowski, Joseph A.
- Trott, Roger J.
- Weber, Charles
There Are 59 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Harrisburg, PA:
- Agudelo Cano, Alexander Dario
- Allen, Francis (Scotty) II
- Allen, John G.
- Bach, Francis
- Barajas Arias, Luis Jesus
- Beeman, James W.
- Bolen, John P.
- Bostwick, III, John Raymond
- Bradel, Frederick R.
- Bradley, Joseph
- Chiasson, Ronald
- Chiasson, Ronald
- Cramer, Donald W.
- D'Allesandro, Patrick
- DeChico, Philip
- Dougherty (Daugherty), Raymond E.
- Driscoll, C.SS.R., Joseph H.
- Fisher, Paul R.
- Hackman, Donald (Tim)
- Hager, Joseph
- Haney, Thomas Ronald
- Haviland, William T.
- Herber, C.PP.S., John
- Hower, Philip A.
- Hudak, Francis
- Kayda, Kevin L.
- Koychick, George J.
- Kujovsky, Thomas J.
- Labuda, Kevin
- Lawler, Thomas F.
- Logue, Robert
- Long, Arthur J.
- Luck, David H.
- Maher, Robert J.
- Mahoney, Daniel Joseph
- Marsico, Guy D.
- McGinley, Anthony J.
- Mercado, Ibarra C.
- Murphy, Neil J.
- Noel, James E.
- Pease, Joseph M.
- Procopio, Charles
- Quiroz Reyes, Guido Miguel
- Redacted #3, unnamed
- Redacted #4, unnamed
- Rolko, Stephen M.
- Rush, James
- Scala, Thomas
- Schlager, Bryan
- Sempko, Walter A.
- Shank, Herbert J.
- Sperber, Timothy
- Steffen, Carl J.
- Suknaic, John J.
- Taylor, Francis J.
- Tokarick, John, Jr.
- Vaughn, Frederick J.
- Vecera, James
- Zangari, Salvatore V.
There Are 107 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Pittsburgh, PA:
- Adams, Alvin J.
- Adams, James R.
- Armstrong, James L.
- Bauer, John M.
- Bevilacqua, Anthony (Cardinal)
- Binder, Jerome
- Brueckner, John E.
- Burchianti, Leo
- Castelucci, Robert J.
- Cautela, Mauro J.
- Cedolia, Robert J.
- Chatt, Charles J.
- Cipolla/Cipola, Anthony J.
- Costello, Bernard B.
- Crowley, John David
- Dacal, Rosendo F.
- Demblowski, Charles
- Demsher, Ferdinand B.
- Diskin, Myles Eric
- Dolan, Jason R.
- Dorsch, Richard J.
- Downs, James
- Dzermejko, David F.
- Esposito, Ralph J.
- Feltz, Joseph F.
- Fitzgerald, John P. (Jack)
- Ganter, Joseph M.
- Geinzer, John A.
- Ginder, Charles Richard
- Girdis, Joseph C.
- Graham, James G.
- Hartman, Bernard Joseph
- Hildebrand, William Charles
- Hoehl, John
- Huber, John J.
- Huff, Edward G.
- Joyce, Edward
- Justi, Marvin
- Kaczmarczyk, Bernard J.
- Karabin, Joseph D.
- Keegan, John
- Kiefer, William
- Kline, James
- Krawczyk, Henry R.
- Kryston, Edward L.
- Kumar, Anujit
- Kurutz, George
- Lang, Hugh J.
- Leech, George T.
- Lelonis, Richard M.
- Leonard, Albert
- Lewandowski, Casimir F.
- Lukasik, John
- Maloney, John P.
- May, Julius F.
- McCashin, William J.
- McGee, Dominic E.
- McKenna, Thomas
- Mcllvane, Donald W.
- McMahon, Albert
- Meder, Francis
- Merrell, Arthur R.
- Miller, John C.
- Mravintz, Ralph
- Mueller, Joseph
- O'Brien, John/Br. Fermilian
- O'Connell, Lawrence
- O'Donnell, Thomas M.
- O'Malley, William P. III
- Paone, Ernest C.
- Parme, George J.
- Pilarski, Peter R.
- Pindel, Paul E.
- Pucci, Francis
- Rebel, John W.
- Reschick, Joseph W.
- Rhoden, Raymond R.
- Roemele, Carl M.
- Romero, Michael C.
- Romero, Oswald E.
- Scharf, David
- Scherer, Richard
- Schultz, Raymond T.
- Siler, Francis A.
- Smith, Edward P.
- Smith, Lawrence R.
- Smith, Thomas E.
- Somma, Jr., James E.
- Sorensen, Bartley A.
- Spangenberg, Robert E.
- Spisak, Paul G.
- Stebler, Lawrence F.
- Suran, Andrew J.
- Terdine, Richard Gerard
- Thomas, Charles
- Tisak, Daniel J.
- Trichtinger, David
- Unger, John
- Veri, Alberta
- Wellinger, John W.
- Wichmanowski, Joseph S.
- Wilt, George
- Wolk, Robert G.
- Yockey, William B.
- Zabowski, Theodore P.
- Zirwas, George
- Zula, Richard F.
There Are 73 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Scranton, PA:
- Altavilla, Philip A
- Angelo, Girard F.
- Balczeniuk/Balzceniuk, Mark G.
- Bonner, Joseph P.
- Boylan, Martin M.
- Brague, Robert J
- Brennan, Francis T
- Bucolo, Joseph
- Burns, Gerald J.
- Burns, Leo A.
- Caparelli, Robert N.
- Capparelli, Robert
- Clay, Christopher R.
- Conmy, Anthony P.
- Crynes, J. Peter
- Deviney, Raymond L.
- Dorsey, Donald J.
- Dzurko, John J.
- Ensey, Eric
- Farry, James F.
- Fedor, James F.
- Ferraldo, Ralph N.
- Ferrara (Ferrar), Philip (Angelus)
- Flanagan, Austin E.
- Flannery, Joseph D.
- Fleming, Martin J.
- Gallagher, Edward F.
- Gibson, Robert J
- Gilgallon, Joseph G.
- Gormley, James Joseph
- Griffin, Joseph A.
- Hammond, Joseph T.
- Hazzouri, Alex J
- Heid, Charles W.
- Homer, P. Lawrence
- Houston, Joseph F.
- Kane, James J.
- Kulig, Francis G.
- Liberatore, Jr., Albert M.
- Madaj, John A.
- Mako, Louis
- McAuliffe, James M.
- McLaughlin, Neil P.
- Meighan, Joseph F.
- Motsay, Russell E.
- Ned, Father
- Nolan, James F.
- O'Neill, John A.
- Oldfield, Albert E.
- Paulish, W (William) Jeffrey
- Pender, John A.
- Pisaneschi, Clare
- Plaushin, Mark
- Polcha, Michael G.
- Pulicare, Michael J.
- Rossetti (Rosetti), Mark T.
- Shilala, Robert
- Shoback, Edward J.
- Shoback, Thomas P
- Skotek, Thomas D.
- Sokolowski, Thomas
- Stahurski, Thomas E.
- Tamalis, John J.
- Tetherow, Virgil Bradley
- Timchak, Robert M.
- Tomkiewic, Dominic C.
- Tribendis, George
- Urrutigoity, Carlos
- Vadakekottaram, Sebastian
- Weniger, Lawrence P.
- Wheeler, William J.
- Wilson, Joseph B./Raphael
- Wolpert, Steven J
If you do not see the name you’re looking for on our list of Pennsylvania predator priests, it does not prohibit you from filing a lawsuit against your abuser. This list expands as new abuse cases come to light.
Your abuser may also be listed under another state or diocese. Many abusive priests were transferred to new assignments following abuse complaints. Use our nationwide, searchable database of accused Catholic clergy members to see if your abuser was listed elsewhere.
Pennsylvania Priest Abuse Victim Resources
Survivors of child sexual abuse and other types of sexual violence are not alone. Every Pennsylvania county has resources for victims of sexual violence. Review our table below to find helpful resources in your county.
Pennsylvania Sexual Violence Programs by County
| County | Facility Name | Phone Number(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Adams | Victim ServicesYWCA York | Hotline: 717-846-5400 Hotline: 800-262-8444 |
| Allegheny | Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PARR) | Hotline: 1-866-END-RAPE (363-7273) Office: 412-431-5665 |
| Allegheny | The Center for Victims | Hotline: 1-866-644-2882 Office: 412-482-3240 |
| Armstrong | Helping All Victims in Need (HAVIN) | Hotline: 1-800-841-8881 Office: 724-543-1180 |
| Beaver | Women's Center of Beaver County | Hotline: 724-775-0131 Office: 724-775-2032 |
| Bedford | Your Safe Haven, Inc. | Hotline: 814-623-7664 Hotline: 800-555-5671 |
| Berks | Safe Berks | Hotline: 844-789-SAFE (7233) Office: 610-373-1206 |
| Blair | Family Services, Inc. | Hotline: 814-944-3585 Office: 814-944-3583 |
| Bradford | Abuse and Rape Crisis Center | Office: 570-265-5333 |
| Bucks | Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) | Hotline: 1-800-675-6900 Office: 215-343-6543 |
| Butler | Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICE) | Hotline: 1-800-400-8551 Office: 724-283-8700 |
| Cambria | Victim Services, Inc. | Hotline: 800-755-1983 |
| Cameron | CAPSEA, Inc. | Hotline: 814-486-0952 |
| Carbon | Victims Resource Center | Office: 610-379-0151 |
| Centre | Centre Safe | Hotline: 1-877-234-5050 Hotline: 814-234-5050 Office: 814-238-7066 |
| Chester | The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County | Hotline: 610-692-7273 Office: 610-692-1926 |
| Clarion | Passages, Inc. | Office: 814-226-7273 |
| Clearfield | Passages, Inc. | Office: 814-371-9677 |
| Clinton | Roads to Peace | Hotline: 570-748-9509 Office: 570-748-9539 |
| Columbia | The Women's Center, Inc. | Hotline: 570-784-6631 |
| Crawford | Women's Services, Inc. | Hotline: 814-333-9766 Hotline: 888-881-0189 |
| Cumberland | Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Program YWCA of Carlisle | Hotline: 888-727-2877 |
| Dauphin | Violence Intervention and Prevention ProgramsYWCA of Greater Harrisburg | Hotline: 1-800-654-1211 |
| Delaware | Delaware County Women Against Rape & Crime Victims Services | Hotline: 610-566-4342 |
| Elk | CAPSEA, Inc. | Hotline: 814-772-1227 |
| Erie | Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Inc. | Hotline: 814-455-9414 Hotline: 1-800-352-7273 |
| Fayette | Crime Victims' Center of Fayette County | Hotline: 724-437-3737 Office: 724-438-1470 |
| Forest | A Safe Place | Office: 814-755-3175 |
| Franklin | Women In Need, Inc. (WIN) | Hotline: 717-264-4444 Hotline: 1-800-621-6660 |
| Fulton | Women In Need, Inc. (WIN) | Hotline: 717-264-4444 Hotline: 1-800-621-6660 |
| Greene | Sexual Trauma Treatment And Recovery Services (STTARS) ProgramSouthwestern Pennsylvania Human Services, Inc. (SPHS) | Office: 724-229-5007 |
| Huntingdon | The Abuse Network | Hotline: 717- 242-2444 Hotline: 1-888-810-2444 Office: 814-506-8237 |
| Indiana | Alice Paul House | Hotline: 724-349-4444 Hotline: 1-800-435-7249 |
| Jefferson | Passages, Inc. | Office: 814-849-5303 |
| Juniata | The Abuse Network | Hotline: 717- 242-2444 Hotline: 1-888-810-2444 Office: 717-447-1885 |
| Lackawanna | Women's Resource Center, Inc. | Hotline: 570-346-4671 Hotline: 1-800-257-5765 |
| Lancaster | Sexual Assault Counseling Center YWCA Lancaster | Hotline: 717-392-7273 |
| Lawrence | Arise | Hotline: 724-652-9036 Office: 724-652-9206 |
| Lebanon | Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center | Hotline: 1-717-272-5308 Office: 1-717-270-6972 |
| Lehigh | Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley | Hotline: 610-437-6611 |
| Luzerne | Victims Resource Center | Office: 570-823-0765 |
| Lycoming | Wise OptionsYWCA Northcentral PA | Hotline: 1-800-326-8483 |
| McKean | Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault ServicesYWCA Bradford | Hotline: 1-888-822-6325 |
| Mercer | AWARE, Inc. | Hotline: 888-981-1457 Office: 724-342-4934 |
| Mifflin | The Abuse Network | Hotline: 717- 242-2444 Hotline: 1-888-810-2444 Office: 717-242-0715 |
| Monroe | Women's Resources of Monroe County, Inc. | Hotline: 570-421-4200 Office: 570-424-2093 |
| Montgomery | Victim Services Center of Montgomery County | Hotline: 1-888-521-0983 Office: 610-277-0932 |
| Montour | The Women's Center, Inc. | Hotline: 570-784-6631 |
| Northampton | Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley | Hotline: 610-437-6611 |
| Northumberland | Transitions | Hotline: 1-800-850-7948 Office: 570-644-4488 |
| Perry | Violence Intervention and Prevention ProgramsYWCA of Greater Harrisburg | Hotline: 1-800-654-1211 |
| Philadelphia | Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) | Hotline: 215-985-3333 |
| Pike | Victims Intervention Program (VIP) | Hotline: 570-253-4401 Hotline: 570-296-HELP (4357) |
| Potter | A Way Out: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services | Hotline: 814-274-0240 Hotline: 877-334-3136 |
| Schuylkill | Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center (SARCC) | Hotline: 1-570-628-2965 |
| Snyder | Transitions | Hotline: 1-800-850-7948 Office: 570-374-7773 |
| Somerset | Victim Services, Inc. | Hotline: 814-443-1555 |
| Sullivan | Sullivan County Victim Services | Hotline: 570-946-4215 Office: 570-946-4063 |
| Susquehanna | Women's Resource Center, Inc. | Hotline: 570-346-4671 Hotline: 1-800-257-5765 |
| Tioga | HAVEN of Tioga County | Hotline: 1-800-550-0447 |
| Union | Transitions | Hotline: 1-800-850-7948 Office: 570-523-6482 |
| Venango | PPC Violence Free Network | Hotline: 814-677-7273 Hotline: 1-800-243-4944 |
| Warren | A Safe Place | Hotline: 1-800-338-3460 Hotline: 814-726-1030 |
| Washington | Sexual Trauma Treatment And Recovery Services (STTARS) ProgramSouthwestern Pennsylvania Human Services, Inc. (SPHS) | Office: 724-229-5007 |
| Wayne | Victims Intervention Program (VIP) | Hotline: 570-253-4401 Hotline: 570-296-HELP (4357) |
| Westmoreland | Blackburn Center | Hotline: 1-888-832-2272 Hotline: 724-836-1122 |
| Wyoming | Victims Resource Center | Office: 570-836-5544 |
| York | Victim ServicesYWCA York | Hotline: 717-846-5400 Hotline: 800-262-8444 |
| Sources: | Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape |
How Do I Report Sexual Abuse By A Priest In Pennsylvania?
If you or a suspected victim is in danger, call 911 immediately.
In Pennsylvania, suspected child abuse, including child sexual abuse, can be reported to the Department of Human Services (DHS). To report suspected abuse, call the department’s ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
To report clergy abuse in Pennsylvania to the state Attorney General’s Office, call the clergy abuse hotline at 888-538-8541.
You can report incidents of clergy abuse to individual Pennsylvania Dioceses as well. Review the reporting processes for each diocese below:
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Report Abuse To The Philadelphia Archdiocese
Call the Archdiocesan Office of Investigations toll free at 1-888-930-9010 to report sexual abuse or misconduct committed by a priest, employee or volunteer of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Once you’ve made the report, a Victim Assistance Coordinator will review your report and follow up with you.
Note: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is required by law to relay any reported incidents of child abuse to the Department of Human Services (DHS) ChildLine. It is also archdiocesan policy to report suspected or reported abuse to local law enforcement.
Visit the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s website to learn more about reporting suspected abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Allentown Diocese
Wendy S. Krisak is the Allentown Diocese Victim Assistance Coordinator. To speak with her directly about sexual abuse in the diocese, call 1-800-791-9209. You can also reach her by email at [email protected].
Visit the Diocese of Allentown’s website to learn more about the diocese’s initiatives to prevent abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Altoona-Johnstown Diocese
You can reach the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown’s Victim/Survivor Assistance Representative Jean Johnstone at 814-944-9388.
Visit the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown’s website to learn more about reporting suspected abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Erie Diocese
The Diocese of Erie retains independent investigators to look into reported abuse claims. To make a report to these investigators, email [email protected].
You can also report the abuse directly to the diocese by calling 814-451-1543.
To get in touch with the diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator Dr. Gerard Tobin call 814-451-1521.
Visit the Diocese of Erie’s website to learn more about reporting suspected abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Greensburg Diocese
To report suspected abuse to a diocesan employee, contact one of the following individuals:
Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle | Delegate for Matters of Clergy and Church Personnel Sexual Misconduct
724-837-0901 ext. 1221
Paul Niemiec | Victim’s Assistance Coordinator
724-837-1840 ext. 1655
Visit the Diocese of Greensburg’s website to learn more about reporting suspected abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Harrisburg Diocese
To report suspected abuse concerning a Harrisburg Diocese clergy member, employee or volunteer, call 1-800-626-1608. You can also report suspected abuse to the diocese by emailing [email protected].
Visit the Diocese of Harrisburg’s website to learn more about the diocese’s efforts to combat abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Pittsburgh Diocese
Suspect abuse can be reported to the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Victim Assistance Coordinator at 412-456-3093 or toll-free at 1-888-808-1235.
Note: The hotline is staffed Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Those calling after hours have the option to leave a voicemail.
Visit the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s website to learn more about reporting suspected abuse.
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Report Abuse To The Scranton Diocese
The Diocese of Scranton’s Victim Assistance Coordinator Mary Beth Pacuska can be reached at 570-862-7551 or by emailing [email protected].
Visit the Diocese of Scranton’s website to learn more about reporting suspected abuse.
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Archdiocese of Philadelphia. (N.D.) How to Make a Complaint. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. (N.D.) Report Child Sexual Abuse. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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ChildUSA. (2020, February 14). Pennsylvania Child Sexual Abuse SOLs. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Couloumbis, A. (2021, March 22). Child sex abuse survivors in Pa. denied legal relief as emergency effort fails. The Inquirer.
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DeJesus, I. (2019, August 14). Diocese of Harrisburg pays out $12 million to victims of clergy sex abuse. Penn Live.
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Department of Human Services. (N.D.) Report Abuse. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Diocese of Allentown. (N.D.) Youth Protection. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Diocese of Erie. (N.D.) Reporting Abuse to the Diocese. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Diocese of Greensburg. (N.D.) Report a Concern. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Diocese of Harrisburg. (2012, February 21). Youth Protection. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Diocese of Scranton. (N.D.) Report Abuse. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Gjelten, T. (2020, March 26). Diocese Suspends Abuse Victims’ Compensation Program, Citing ‘Economic Turmoil.’ NPR.
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Goodstein, L., Otterman, S. (2018, August 14). Catholic Priests Abused 1,000 Children in Pennsylvania, Report Says. The New York Times.
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Governor Tom Wolf. (2019, November 26). Gov. Wolf Signs Three Bills to Protect Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse [Press Release].
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Levy, M. (2019, September 28). New chapter opens in Pennsylvania in fight over suing church. The Associated Press.
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Levy, M., Scolforo, M. (2019, November 26). Pennsylvania overhauls child sexual abuse laws. The Associated Press.
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Office of Attorney General. (N.D.) Pennsylvania Diocese Victims Report. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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PCAR. (N.D.) Locations. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. (2016, November 18). Reporting Child Abuse. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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Scolforo, M., Levy, M. (2018, August 14). Report: Pennsylvania priests molested over 1,000 children. The Associated Press.
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Sutor, D. (2019, May 20). The Cost of Abuse | Costly legal struggles prompt dioceses to find ways to raise money. The Tribune-Democrat.