French Women Call to End 20‑Year Rape Statute of Limitations

Mon Sep 14 2026 05:28:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

For years France’s 20‑year limit on sexual assault charges has left more than 50 women without justice, they say – from former model agent victims to those linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

A newly formed group, Survivors’ Voices, has demanded that France scrap the 20‑year statute of limitations on rape and sexual assault. The coalition, made up of over 50 survivors – including former model agents Jean‑Luc Brunel and billionaire Mohammed Al Fayed – argues that the deadline prevents them from filing charges. High‑profile cases, such as former BBC producer Lisa Brinkworth’s assault claims, were dismissed in France because of the legal time‑frame. The collective’s petition underscores a global push to remove time limits on gender‑based violence, citing the enduring judgment of trauma and the fight for accountability.

French Women Demand End to 20‑Year Rape Statute of Limitations

On 25 June 2026, a group of more than 50 survivors of sexual assault gathered in Paris for a press conference. They urged lawmakers to abolish the 20‑year limit that currently bars adults from filing rape complaints and the 30‑year limit for minors.

Lisa Brinkworth standing in front of a white wall — Lisa Brinkworth, former BBC producer, said she was sexually assaulted while undercover.

The coalition, called Survivors’ Voices, highlighted that both alleged victims of famed trafficker Jean‑Luc Brunel and former financier Jeffrey Epstein are part of the petition. Survivors argue that the time‑frame makes their cases “don’t matter simply because of the date” it occurred, echoing the sentiment that “rape doesn’t expire, trauma doesn’t expire,” said Thysia Husiman.

Brinkworth’s case illustrates the problem. She claimed to have been attacked by Gerald Marie, then it was 27 years later when she reported the incident. French courts dismissed the claim because the 20‑year limit had elapsed. She says the BBC withheld essential footage that could prove her allegation and demands closer scrutiny from the European Court of Human Rights.

The BBC has countered that it has already provided evidence to French authorities and is “not trying to silence” Ms Brinkworth. Nonetheless, survivor organisations say the BBC’s refusal to release raw footage continues to impede justice.

Across the country, law‑makers are listening. France’s legal advisers note that removing or extending the statute could involve revising criminal code provisions and ensuring victims share the burden of timely? reports. The activists’ appeal coincides with growing international pressure to eliminate time limits on gender‑based violence.

For now, the group plans to lobby the French Parliament and to engage on social media to raise global awareness. They want a legal framework that truly respects the right of victims to seek justice, regardless of how many years may have passed.