Policy & Justice
RAINN’s Recommendations for State Legislators
Are you a state legislator? Here, you’ll find everything you need to create and pass meaningful anti-sexual violence laws.
Policy Language for Issues Impacting Survivor Justice
State lawmakers have a critical role to play in preventing sexual violence, supporting survivors, and improving access to justice. RAINN’s policy recommendations offer clear, practical guidance to help legislators draft, strengthen, and pass laws that make communities safer.
Eliminate Criminal Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes
RAINN recommends that states eliminate criminal statutes of limitations for sex crimes, remove penalties for delayed reporting, and allow prosecution when new corroborating evidence supports charges.
Eliminate Civil Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes
RAINN recommends that states eliminate civil statutes of limitations for sex crimes, apply reforms retroactively, and allow survivors to bring claims against perpetrators and organizations that enabled sexual abuse.
Protect Students: Require Schools to Share Sexual Violence Policies
RAINN recommends that states require public and private schools to clearly and proactively share sexual violence policies, reporting options, and supportive measures with students, parents, staff, and volunteers.
AI Deepfakes, Pt. 1: Create Criminal & Civil Accountability
RAINN recommends that states modernize criminal and civil laws to address nonconsensual intimate deepfakes, including AI-generated images, video, and voice audio. Get recommendations for creating clear pathways for victim protection, accountability, and relief.
AI Deepfakes, Pt. 2: Prevent Harm & Protect Victims
RAINN recommends that states adopt laws to prevent and respond to nonconsensual intimate deepfakes by enabling rapid removal, protecting victim privacy, restricting dangerous nudification tools, and requiring school policies.
Strengthen Cases: Require Trauma-Informed Training
RAINN recommends that states require evidence-based, trauma-informed sexual assault investigation training for law enforcement to improve evidence collection, keep survivors engaged, and strengthen public safety.
Improve Reporting Rates: Create Immunity Protections for Survivors
RAINN recommends that states create immunity protections for victims and witnesses who report sexual violence, seek help, or access medical care, ensuring fear of drug or alcohol penalties does not prevent reporting.
Strengthen Justice: Reform the Rules of Evidence
RAINN recommends that states update rules of evidence to allow relevant evidence of a defendant’s prior sexual conduct in sexual offense cases while preserving fair-trial protections.
Protect Patients: Require Consent for Involuntary Pelvic Exams
RAINN recommends that states prohibit non-consensual practice intimate exams by requiring separate written informed consent, limiting exceptions, and making violations subject to professional discipline.
Contact RAINN’s Policy Team
RAINN works with lawmakers across the country to advance bipartisan legislation that prevents sexual violence, improves justice, and holds perpetrators accountable.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Chat at RAINN.org/hotline
Text “HOPE” to 64673