As of January 2025, the statute of limitations for the crime of sexual assault against minors in California was eliminated. Previously victims had to file charges before the minor turned 40. Even earlier, the limit was two years after the assault.

However, the statute of limitations remains for sexual assault on adults. Furthermore, many other states still have the statute of limitations for minors. California should work towards eliminating that statute of limitations for sexual assault cases for adults as well. 

According to data from RAINN there are over 433,000 cases of sexual assault or rape annually in the U.S. among people ages 12 and older.  Many who experience SA or rape are unable to speak up about it. There are many reasons for this, including not being able to afford lawyers, being too scared, or even convincing themselves that it wasn’t sexual assault. 

If we get rid of the statute, then more people will be able to come forward with what happened to them and get the proper justice.