How long can legal action be taken in cases of sexual offenses against minors?

The limitation period is the period during which criminal proceedings may be brought against the perpetrator. Once this period has elapsed, the courts can no longer act, except in exceptional cases (for example, if other sexual assaults are committed by the same person) or if the facts have not been reported.

This period shall begin from the majority of the victim, i.e. at the age of 18.

When an adult is aware of a sexual assault or a rape committed against a minor and she does not report it, she can be prosecuted for non-denunciation. In such cases, the time limit for instituting such proceedings begins with the majority of the victim and is 10 years if the acts are sexual assault and 20 years if the acts are rape.

The length of the time limit depends on the seriousness of the facts. The law provides for the following periods from the time of the victim's majority:

• 30 years for rape and procuring of minors.
  For example, if the victim has been raped at 12, she can take legal action until she is 48 (18 + 30).
• 20 years for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault (for example, if committed by more than one person or at gunpoint).
  For example, if the victim was sexually assaulted at age 14 with the use of a weapon, he or she may file a complaint until the age of 38 (18 + 20).
• 10 years for the corruption of minors, the sexual offer to a minor and the use of prostitution of minors.
  For example, if the victim received an inappropriate sexual offer at age 16, she may act until she is 28 (18 + 10).

For adolescents aged 15 to 17 at the time of the incident, the same prescription rules apply. The period for taking action also begins to run from the time they reach the age of majority. For example, a young person who is raped at the age of 16 may file a complaint up to the age of 46 (30 after the age of 16).

The prescription can be repulsed if other similar acts are committed after the original offense. This mechanism is called slippery prescription. It allows to get out the limitation period from the last offense committed, even if the original facts are old.

The victim, or his or her legal representative if he or she is a minor, may:

• Go to a police station or gendarmerie brigade to lodge a complaint or send a complaint by mail to public prosecutor
• Be accompanied by a lawyer or a victims' aid association.

Action must be taken before the expiry of the limitation period in order for proceedings to be instituted.

Offenses committed abroad may be prosecuted in France if the accused person is a French national or habitually resides in France.