French commission wants to remove statute of limitations for sexual violence against children

PARIS (AP) — An expert commission in France has called for removing all time limits on the prosecution of people suspected of raping or sexually assaulting children. The Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence against Children also recommended defining sexual abuse of children as a separate offense when it happens within families. France’s statute of limitation for sexual crimes against children is 30 years from the time the victim turns 18. The commission said in a report issued Friday that the time limit may prevent as many as three-quarters of survivors from seeking justice in court because it can take decades for them to speak out.