NY state gives survivors of sexual assault a vital voice

“A lot of the laws on the books, especially as they relate to sex crimes or sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace, are outdated,” said State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-NY), who sponsored the bill. “Extending the statute of limitations for specific degrees of rape and sexual assault and incest gives survivors the time they need to process what has happened, to report it. Most people don’t come forward about their abuse until they’re 51 or 52,” Biaggi said.

“That is one of the best things that we can do for people that feel that they really don’t have anywhere to go, because so much of what’s around that crime is silence and shame, and when you feel like there’s not even an outlet for you, you are more likely to stay silent,” Biaggi said.