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.
Get Info & Policy Language for Key Issues Impacting Survivor Justice
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.
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.
School 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 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, creating clear pathways for victim protection, accountability, and relief.
AI Survivor Protections
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.
Trauma-Informed Investigations
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.
Immunity Laws for Survivors Reporting Sexual Violence
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.
Evidence Admissibility
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.
Involuntary Pelvic Exams
RAINN recommends that states prohibit nonconsensual practice intimate exams by requiring separate written informed consent, limiting exceptions, and making violations subject to professional discipline.
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