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French Senate voted today to eliminate the deadline for survivors to seek justice
PARIS (October 29th) – The French Senate has voted to eliminate statutes of limitation for sexual crimes against children, removing the barriers that have prevented many survivors of childhood sexual abuse from accessing justice in France.
“Sexual violence against children has too often gone unpunished in France. Now, survivors can know that perpetrators will be held accountable,” said Mié Kohiyama, survivor advocate and co-president of BeBrave France. “This landmark decision is a groundbreaking step forward in protecting children and ensuring survivors’ right to justice. We are at an historic turning point that paves the way for other EU countries to follow.”
For Constance Bertrand, co-president of BeBraveFrance, “Today, the law is finally catching up with a major societal expectation and affirms our collective resolve never again to let crimes against children go unpunished. This is a historic moment that restores France’s position as a leader in child protection”.
Previously, the period of limitation for child sexual abuse crimes in France depended on the severity of the crime. Starting once the victim turns 18, some survivors would have only 10 years to seek justice. This deadline falls short of the average age of disclosure for child sexual abuse crimes, which is between 40 and 50 years of age for adults.
“This victory is the culmination of decades of advocacy by victims, survivors and allies in France, and is a testament to their leadership, persistence, and unwavering commitment,” said Dr Daniela Ligiero, Founder of the Brave Movement. “However, the work is not done. Too many EU member states still impose these arbitrary deadlines. We urge every EU member state to heed the call of survivors and other experts and redress this injustice.”
The bill will now be examined by a special Commission composed of senators and deputies before a final vote at the French National Assembly. If adopted by the National Assembly, the end of statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes will be ratified into French law.
Notes to editors
To date, France has suspended the initiation of the limitation period in child sex abuse offences until victims turn 18, and the limitation period would depend on the severity of the crime.
- In less serious child sex abuse offences, the limitation period does not run out until the victim reaches age twenty-eight.
- For the most serious child sexual abuse offences, prosecution remains possible until the victim turns forty-eight.
- For other child sexual abuse-related crimes, the limitation period runs out when the victim reaches age thirty-eight, according to articles 7 and 8 of the French Criminal Procedure Code.
(Source: Justice without borders)
The average age of disclosure of child sexual abuse crimes varies across studies, but several studies have found that most adults disclose their experience between ages 40 and 50 (Source: Alaggia et al., 2019)
In June of this year, the European Union agreed to a new law, the Child Sexual Abuse Directive, which now establishes that the most severe forms of childhood sexual abuse can be prosecuted for up to 32 years after the age of majority (until the victim reaches age 50). (Source: Council of the EU)
About the Brave Movement
The Brave Movement is a global survivor-led advocacy movement focused on ending all forms of childhood sexual violence. It brings together organizations and individuals to engage in cutting-edge campaigns and advocacy, and creates pathways for the expertise, wisdom, and experiences of survivors to help inform the response of governments and global institutions around the world. The Brave Movement is a special initiative of Together for Girls. Learn more: www.bravemovement.org
About BeBrave France
BeBrave France is the French national platform of the Brave Movement, a global survivor-led advocacy movement focused on ending all forms of childhood violence, with a special emphasis on sexual violence. It is co-led by Mié Kohiyama and Constance Bertrand.
Contact
Mié Kohiyama
Co-founder, Be Brave France
[email protected]
+33 680 349 972
Christy Delafield
Senior Director of Communications, Together for Girls
+1 202-374-5097
[email protected]
