Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church in Kentucky

Kentucky's civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse extends 5 years after the survivor turns 18, capped at age 23. Kentucky does not have an active lookback window as of February 2026. The Archdiocese of Louisville has published a credibly accused clergy list and settled multiple individual claims. No Kentucky diocese has filed for bankruptcy as of this date. Kentucky survivors under age 23 should consult an attorney. Older survivors should consult an attorney about discovery rule tolling under Kentucky's discovery doctrine for delayed-onset psychological injuries.

Kentucky clergy claims are filed in the Circuit Court for the county where the abuse occurred. The Archdiocese of Louisville reached a landmark 2003 settlement with 243 survivors after a 2002 lawsuit exposed decades of abuse involving 34 clergy, and Kentucky dioceses have since acknowledged substantial additional payouts to survivors. Because Kentucky's discovery doctrine can toll the deadline for delayed-onset psychological injury, survivors past the age cap should still have the timeline reviewed rather than assume the claim has expired. Confidential, believe-first support is available through RAINN at 1-800-656-4673 and SNAP.