Federal Laws
Most sexual abuse crimes do not fall under federal jurisdiction, except for child pornography, child trafficking or crossing a state line with the intent to engage in sexual activity with a person under 12 years of age or engages in an act with a child under 16 (and age difference of 4 years).
http://www.fris.org/Laws/FedallLaws.html
Consider writing your federal representatives to consider being a co-sponsor with Harry Reid on the bill he is drafting to incentivize states to end their statute of limitations laws.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150610006249/en/Foundation-Survivors-Abuse-Champions-Legislation-Remove-Statute#.VXyQ_uturzI
There have been a number of key federal laws that have been passed or may expire. Stay informed at write your congress person about the importance of these laws. Sample letters for each law will be added to this web site or go to https://www.rainn.org/public-policy/rainn-action-center
https://www.rainn.org/public-policy/key-fed-laws
http://www.fris.org/Laws/FedallLaws.html
Consider writing your federal representatives to consider being a co-sponsor with Harry Reid on the bill he is drafting to incentivize states to end their statute of limitations laws.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150610006249/en/Foundation-Survivors-Abuse-Champions-Legislation-Remove-Statute#.VXyQ_uturzI
There have been a number of key federal laws that have been passed or may expire. Stay informed at write your congress person about the importance of these laws. Sample letters for each law will be added to this web site or go to https://www.rainn.org/public-policy/rainn-action-center
https://www.rainn.org/public-policy/key-fed-laws
State Laws
State laws vary from state to state. State laws are divided into criminal laws and civil laws. A criminal law can lead to jail or prison time. Each state has different laws how criminal indictments happen. Some use grand juries or preliminary hearings. http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/how-does-a-grand-jury-work.html
When you write your congress person know what the criminal and civil laws are as they relate to the statute of limitations for sexual assault. Be specific in the request, for example, removal of the spousal rape exception in Maryland. http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/sex-crimes/maryland-marital-rape-statutes.htm
RAINN has a comprehensive list of state laws: https://apps.rainn.org/policy-app/index2.cfm
When you write your congress person know what the criminal and civil laws are as they relate to the statute of limitations for sexual assault. Be specific in the request, for example, removal of the spousal rape exception in Maryland. http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/sex-crimes/maryland-marital-rape-statutes.htm
RAINN has a comprehensive list of state laws: https://apps.rainn.org/policy-app/index2.cfm
