Lift Statute of Limitations on Sex Assault

The Reporter-Herald
January 26, 2016

http://www.reporterherald.com/opinion/editorial/ci_29434949/editorial-lift-statute-limitations-sex-assault

Like dozens of other women across the country, two Colorado women, aspiring models back in the 1980s, say Bill Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted them.

And like the others, they say they did not come forward immediately after the alleged assaults because they realized no one would have believed them.

Now their voices have been added to a growing list of women whom many people do believe.

Now the two women have asked Colorado legislators to reconsider a law has placed a statute of limitations on sexual assault cases. Ten years after they happen, they can no longer be prosecuted.

Legislators are expected to consider a bill this session that would remove the statute of limitations. It would not be retroactive and would not change anything for the two women.

According to the Denver Post, state Rep. Rhonda Fields, a Democrat from Aurora, and Sen. John Cooke, a Republican from Greeley and the former Weld County sheriff, are leading the bill.

Cooke cited advancements in technology, including DNA testing, that make it easier to solve cases and would make removing the statute of limitations worthwhile.

He called the limit an encumbrance on justice for a violent crime that leaves lifelong trauma.

Fields said sexual assault victims "don't stop being a victim after 10 years. Why should a violent crime just expire because of a time limit?"

Thirty-four states have placed time limits on prosecution of such cases. Wyoming is among the states that have no such limitation.

Colorado currently must prosecute cases within 10 years of occurrence, except in the cases of children age 15 and under or in cases where DNA evidence exists and the crime was reported within 10 years.

But it takes some victims far longer than 10 years to come to terms with what has happened to them and be able to face their attackers. Some never report it because they fear they won't be believed.

Sexual assault is a significantly under-reported crime, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

The benefits of earlier prosecution would be that memories and evidence are fresher and that perpetrators can be jailed before they attack again. But justice delayed is better than no justice at all.

State legislators should come together to pass this bill soon.