Villa Highlights Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Passes Legislation to Remove Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To bring attention to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is highlighting legislation she recently passed to remove the statute of limitations on the prosecution on crimes such as criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of adults.

“There are staggering statistics surrounding sexual assault, with one in three women experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives,” said Villa.  “We know that sexual assault is the most under-reported crime for a variety of reasons, so it is evident that more needs to be done to address our toxic rape culture and to protect survivors.”

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center it is estimated that nearly 63 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to law enforcement. To combat this issue and to raise awareness, Villa recently helped pass legislation to remove the statute of limitations on certain sex crimes, including aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of adults.  Villa’s House Bill 2135 would allow for the prosecution of these offenses to take place at any time, while currently these crimes may only be prosecuted for three years after the offense. 

“I am committed to fostering discussions on how we can all do our part to prevent sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable,” continued Villa.  “This legislation is one huge step in the right direction to protect survivors and give them the time they need to heal and seek justice.”

For more information, contact Villa’s constituent services office at 630-326-9319 or StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com

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