Survivor Justice Act
Fairness and Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Survivors of sexual assault often face significant barriers to coming forward, including denial, trauma, fear, shame, and the risk of not being believed. Studies show that it takes an average of 21 years for many survivors to disclose their abuse, particularly in cases of childhood sexual abuse or assault by someone in a position of power. This delay is not uncommon: survivors often need decades to process their experiences and feel safe enough to take legal action. Yet, in many states, statutes of limitations for sexual assault crimes can be as short as three to five years.
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This is fundamentally unjust. When the legal system imposes a time limit on seeking justice, it ignores the psychological and emotional complexities that prevent many survivors from coming forward. By extending or eliminating the statute of limitations, we can ensure that survivors are given the time they need to heal, process, and ultimately seek the justice they deserve—on their terms, not according to an arbitrary legal deadline.
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Accountability for offenders and the systems that protect them
Sexual assault perpetrators, especially those in positions of power, often rely on the passage of time and the systems (e.g., insurance companies and public sector entities) that protect them to escape accountability.
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By removing the statute of limitations, we close the loophole that allows offenders to hide behind the law, evading justice simply because the clock has run out. Extending or abolishing these time limits helps prevent serial abusers from continuing to harm others without consequence. It sends a clear message: no matter how much time has passed, the justice system will hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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Several states have already taken important steps toward this goal. California, New York, and several other states have expanded or removed statutes of limitations for certain sexual assault cases, recognizing that survivors often need time to come forward. These reforms have led to landmark cases that otherwise might never have seen the light of day.
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Justice Without Time Limits
Survivors of sexual assault often carry immense shame and fear, which can make it difficult to disclose their experiences, especially in cultures where victim-blaming is prevalent. In fact, research from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) estimates that only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to the police, with many survivors remaining silent for years due to societal pressure, fear of retaliation, or personal trauma.
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Removing statutes of limitations empowers survivors by giving them control over when and how they seek justice. It acknowledges the profound impact of trauma on memory and reporting and provides survivors with a legal system that adapts to their reality rather than forcing them to fit into restrictive timelines. Survivors deserve the right to pursue legal action when they are ready—not when a statute says they must.
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A Growing Movement for Change
The movement to extend or abolish statutes of limitations is gaining momentum across the country. Advocacy groups, survivor organizations, and legal experts are pushing for reforms that better reflect the lived experiences of sexual assault survivors.
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In a society where 81% of women and 43% of men report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the justice system must do more to support survivors. Extending the statute of limitations ensures that offenders and the systems they hide behind are held accountable and survivors are given the time they need to come forward.
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Join the Fight for Justice
By advocating for the elimination or extension of statutes of limitations for sexual assault cases, we can create a system that prioritizes fairness, justice, and accountability for all survivors. Together, we can ensure that no survivor is forced to choose between their healing process and their right to seek justice. It’s time to build a legal system that truly supports survivors —regardless of how much time has passed.
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Jensen, T.K., Gulbrandsen, W., Mossige, S., Reichelt, S., & Tjersland, O.A. (2005). "Reporting possible sexual abuse: A qualitative study on children's perspectives and the context for disclosure." Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(12), 1395-1413. This study found that children who were sexually abused often take years or even decades to disclose their abuse, particularly when the abuser is in a position of authority or trust. This delay can be attributed to feelings of shame, fear of retaliation, and the psychological impact of trauma.
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According to Child USA, the average age of disclosure for child sexual abuse survivors is 52 years old, which aligns with the notion that it takes decades for many survivors to feel ready to come forward.​​
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