Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church in Iowa

Iowa's civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse extends 5 years after the survivor turns 18, capped at age 23. Iowa does not have an active lookback window as of February 2026. The Archdiocese of Dubuque and Diocese of Davenport have both published credibly accused clergy lists. Iowa survivors under age 23 should consult an attorney. Older survivors should consult an attorney about the discovery rule.

Iowa clergy suits are filed in the Iowa District Court for the county where the abuse occurred. Beyond the Davenport bankruptcy, the Archdiocese of Dubuque reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with survivors, and both Iowa dioceses maintain credibly-accused lists. Iowa's discovery statute (Iowa Code 614.8A) can extend the deadline for survivors abused before age 14 who did not connect the injury to the abuse until adulthood, allowing suit within four years of that discovery. Because those facts are individual, survivors near or past the age cap should have an attorney assess the timeline. Confidential, believe-first support is available through RAINN at 1-800-656-4673 and SNAP.