HARRISBURG— The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape filed an official complaint against Bradford County District Attorney Chad Salsman, calling for his resignation after a grand jury indicted charges against the prosecutor.
The complaint filed with the disciplinary board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania urged the court to take immediate action to suspend Salsman’s law license and order any other relief the court deems appropriate and just.
There is no place in our communities for sexual violence in any form—especially at the hand of an elected official who swore an oath to uphold the law and hold those who break it accountable.
Reports of sexual abuse, victim intimidation and solicitation of prostitution undermine the credibility and trust that are essential for a district attorney to work successfully with victims of sexual abuse.
We know that sexual violence is often about power and control. When a person has power and control, whether through a powerful position in government, money, or the ability to affect one’s educational or societal goals, the inherent power imbalance makes reporting sexual abuse very difficult for a victim who may not believe that their experience will be taken seriously.
Victims in Bradford County—and throughout the Commonwealth—deserve elected officials who will serve in their best interests, not exploit their vulnerabilities for their own gratification.
We urge the disciplinary board to act swiftly to protect victims and uphold the integrity of the district attorney’s office in Bradford County.
Sexual assault centers in Bradford County and throughout the Commonwealth are available to help survivors and their loved ones heal from sexual harassment and abuse. To find your local sexual assault center, visit www.pcar.org or call 1-888-772-7227.