Survivors' Voices Unite to Demand End of Rape Statute of Limitations
In France, a coalition of more than 50 women who allege rape or sexual assault has gathered for a press conference, demanding that the country scrap the 20‑year statute of limitations that has barred many of their cases from prosecution.
The group, called Survivors' Voices, cites high‑profile figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, model agent Jean‑Luc Brunel and businessman Mohammed Al Fayed, whose alleged crimes have gone unpunished because of the time limit.
Under current French law, adults must bring a claim within 20 years and minors within 30 years of the offence. Victims say that this rule forces them to abandon their pursuit of justice and makes them feel that their pain "does not matter simply because of the date" it happened.
A prominent case is that of former BBC producer Lisa Brinkworth, who disclosed that she was sexually assaulted by Elite Models boss Gerald Marie while filming a documentary. Though she reported the allegation in 2021, French courts dismissed the case on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired.
Brinkworth has since taken her grievance to the European Court of Human Rights and accused the BBC of withholding "vital evidence" that could bolster her claim.
After the documentary aired, Elite Models sued the BBC for misrepresentation, and an agreement was reached that the broadcaster is not to disclose certain footage. Brinkworth asserts that she was told she could not speak about the alleged assault or the documentary itself.
French authorities closed investigations without further action, while the BBC claims it has supplied all needed material to the court and will continue to assist Ms Brinkworth.
