Public Policy & Action

Laws in Your State

From the legal definition of rape to the statute of limitation for a particular sex crime, where you live makes a difference. Here's a guide to the laws in your state.

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RAINN Action Center

RAINN Needs Your Voice

Justice delayed is justice denied. Urge your legislators to co-sponsor The No Time Limit for Justice Act. Don’t let cruel and arbitrary statutes of limitations deny survivors of childhood sexual abuse a pathway to justice. The No Time Limit For Justice Act would allow survivors of child sexual abuse the opportunity to seek accountability whenever they are ready by increasing federal grants for states that eliminate the statutes of limitations for sex crimes against minors.

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A bipartisan group of members of Congress, led by Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Ben Cline (R-VA), has introduced the Child RESCUE Act, RAINN-supported legislation that will help ensure that children experiencing abuse can be identified and removed from harm as soon as possible.

RAINN Working With Lawmakers

RAINN provides a critical lifeline and support system to victims of sexual violence, which happens all too often in California and in communities across the country. I’m working hard to... to combat domestic violence and sexual assault, and to pass [legislation] to improve law enforcement’s ability to track sexual assault and prevent violent crimes. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA

I commend RAINN for its dedication to provide victims and survivors of sexual assault with the vital services and resources they need and deserve. There is no place in any society for acts of sexual assault. I am proud to raise awareness on this issue and will continue to work in the Senate advocating for legislation combatting sexual violence and helping survivors of these crimes.

Former Sen. Dean Heller, R-NV

RAINN has long been at the forefront of national efforts to prevent sexual assault and has helped millions of victims, families, friends, and community members — all touched by violent crime. As a former prosecutor, I am proud to support the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization and stand committed to joining RAINN in its efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN

RAINN's great work cannot be overstated and should not be overlooked. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have been proud to work closely with RAINN to support multiple pieces of legislation that target the perpetrators of sexual violence and protect the victims of these terrible crimes. I look forward to continuing this important partnership with RAINN in the years to come. Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX

RAINN is a critical ally in the fight to help victims of sexual assault and violence. I share their commitment to eradicating these heinous crimes by providing survivors with a vast network of support and resources to ensure that they are kept safe and have the tools to recover emotionally and physically. As a long-time advocate against sexual violence, I look forward to continuing to work with RAINN on efforts to bolster prevention, education, and enforcement to ensure a safe and healthy environment for women and families in Connecticut and across the country. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT

DNA and Sexual Violence

When law enforcement investigates a case of sexual violence, DNA evidence can sometimes make or break the outcome.

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Statutes of Limitations

When a crime is committed, there is a window of time that a state has to charge the perpetrator. The laws that determine this time frame are called criminal statutes of limitations, and they vary by state, situation, and crime. How does your state stack up?

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