Sensitive content
This site contains sensitive content that includes references to sexual violence.
Don't give abusers time to escape
Healing & justice can take decades but harmful laws have deadlines for victims and survivors to disclose their sexual abuse. This gives abusers time to escape and hurt more kids
We must eliminiate statutes of limitations in relation to childhood sexual violence
Survivors of childhood sexual violence often carry their trauma for years, grappling with fear, shame, and the burden of silence. Studies reveal that on average, it takes 9 to 15 years for survivors to disclose their abuse—if they do at all.
A statute of limitation in relation to childhood sexual violence defines the maximum amount of time a victim can wait before starting legal proceedings against the perpetrators.
Setting this limit for victims and survivors is harmful as it means that many do not receive justice if they can’t speak up within the imposed deadline.
Globally, up to 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys experience sexual abuse in childhood, yet many perpetrators evade justice due to outdated statutes of limitations. These legal deadlines silence survivors, shield perpetrators, and perpetuate cycles of abuse.
We demand change. It’s time for laws that recognise the timeframe of healing, honour the voices of survivors, and promise justice regardless of geography or time passed.
Justice for sexual violence against children should have no expiration date
Join our call for timeless justice. Sign our petition in collaboration with ECPAT International in support of abolishing statutes of limitations for sexual crimes against children.
