Connecticut’s five-year statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes is the third shortest in the nation. Meanwhile, 28 states have either no statute of limitations or a period of 20 years or more. Connecticut should follow in the footsteps of these states and not limit the time victims of sexual assault can seek justice.
Five years is not enough time for many survivors to come to terms with the experiences that commonly follow sexual violence: trauma; PTSD; and the blame, shame, and scrutinization received upon disclosing or reporting the abuse.
We must do everything in our power to support survivors of sexual assault. Some of the many ways we can do this are by seeking to keep the door open for justice, ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system, and holding those who choose to sexually harm others accountable for their crimes. Failure to do these things means offenders are free to perpetrate these crimes over and over again, while survivors are denied the opportunity for the justice and healing they deserve.
Learn more about the importance of time for victims of sexual violence.
