RAINN Reacts: Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2025

WASHINGTON – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, applauds today’s introduction of the Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act (H.R.2920) by Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL). This bipartisan bill would incentivize states to remove both civil and criminal statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse cases and expand access to justice by reviving previously time-barred claims.

“I am a survivor of incest from ages 4 to 17. I did not pursue charges against my perpetrator until I was 21, but I was still able to come forward when I felt safe and seek justice. Because of harmful statute of limitations laws, not everyone gets that chance.”

– Kelly, survivor and RAINN advocate

“Child sexual abuse survivors should be able to come forward and seek justice without a deadline,” said Congressman Subramanyam. “We must take legislative steps to support survivors instead of upholding a system that works against them. Far too many child abuse survivors have been denied justice due to these arbitrary barriers. I am proud to lead legislation that empowers child abuse survivors and holds abusers accountable.”

“Survivors of child sexual abuse often carry their pain in silence for decades. Too many are denied justice because the clock runs out before they are ready to speak,” said Congresswoman Elvira Salazar. “This bill says loud and clear: time will never protect predators, and the law will never fail survivors again. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to give victims their day in court, make sure monsters who abuse children can never hide behind legal loopholes, and protect children across America.”

“Every survivor of childhood sexual abuse deserves the chance to seek justice when they are ready,” said Stefan Turkheimer, RAINN vice president of public policy. “For too long, time has been a shield for child abusers and a ticking clock for survivors. The Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act recognizes that healing does not have a time limit and keeps a path open for survivors to bring those responsible to justice.”

Incentivizing States To Expand Justice

The Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act directly addresses a nationwide gap. Research shows survivors of child sexual abuse often need decades before they are ready to disclose abuse. Yet in many states, civil and criminal statutes of limitations cut off survivors’ ability to pursue justice. 

H.R.2920 would strengthen the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) grant program by authorizing an additional $20 million annually to:  

• Incentivize states to eliminate both civil and criminal statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse

• Expand access to civil and criminal remedies for survivors

• Provide opportunities for the revival of previously time-barred claims

• Ensure protections extend to child trafficking and related crimes

The Need for Nationwide Reform

Currently, only a limited number of states have fully eliminated both civil and criminal statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse. This patchwork system leaves survivors’ access to justice dependent on geography rather than fairness.

“This federal approach recognizes that child sexual abuse is not confined by state borders,” said Turkheimer, “—and justice shouldn’t be, either.”

About RAINN

As the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, RAINN’s mission is to stop sexual violence by supporting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating safer communities. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673), chat at RAINN.org/hotline, or text “HOPE” to 64673.  

Media Contact:
Jennifer Simmons Kaleba
media@rainn.org