Is it ever too late to report sexual assault or rape? That was the question I asked myself when Danny Masterson of the former sitcom, “That 70s Show” received 30-year prison sentence for raping two women 20 years ago. The rapes occurred in 2003. Masterson, now age 47, will be eligible for parole when he is 70 years old.
So, is it ever too late to report a rape? The length of time to press charges vary from state to state and the district where the rape occurred. The statute of limitations begins when injury or crime occurs. However, there are underlying circumstances that start the clock when a crime is rendered to authorities by someone who has knowledge, evidence, or witness of the crime.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a rape, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. Collecting and preserving and consenting to a rape kit examination within 72 hours allows for DNA evidence from blood, semen, and hair specimen results to submitted to police investigators and added to database registry systems. It may even extend the time you have to file charges. The key to getting the justice you deserve and getting a dangerous individual off the street is to act immediately. Shame or self-loathing, and fear of others knowing what has happened to you will not only victimize you for life but allows the rapist the freedom to rape again.
In the event you hesitate to act immediately, the following states have eliminated the statute of limitations because sexual assault is a violent crime that often results in physical and psychological trauma:
Wyoming
North Carolina
South Carolina
Virginia
West Virginia
Maryland
Other districts base their statute of limitations on the severity of the crime. This allows longer periods for felony sex crimes such as first-degree rape or sexual assault. States having statutes that span 21 years or more beginning from the time the rape occurred are:
Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Alabama
California, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana
Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi
Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico
New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota
Vermont, and Wisconsin
The following states recognize statutes of limitations between 11 and 20 years for felony rape:
Colorado,
Washington DC,
Georgia,
Massachusetts,
Ohio,
Oklahoma,
Oregon,
Pennsylvania,
Tennessee
The following states recognize statutes of limitations of 10 years or less.
Connecticut,
Florida,
Hawaii,
Illinois,
Iowa,
Kentucky,
Maine,
Minnesota,
Montana,
Nevada,
New Hampshire,
North Dakota,
Texas
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault help is available, immediately contact 911 to report the incident immediately. Call the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673 available 24 hours seven days per week 365 days per year.
