Extension of Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Crimes Against Children: An Urgent Need in Portugal

Authors

  • Carla Ferreira Apav
  • Frederico Moyano Apav

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58725/rivjr.v3i3.147

Keywords:

Children's rights, Sexual crimes against children; Statutes of limitations; Child victims; Delayed reporting; Children's rights

Abstract

This article advocates for the urgent extension of statutes of limitation for sexual crimes against children in Portugal. It examines the severe psychological, physical, and social consequences of such violence, along with the barriers preventing victims and their caregivers from reporting the crimes. Through a comparative analysis of legal systems in other countries and referencing international legal instruments, the text argues that longer statutes of limitations allow victims more time to come forward, accounting for the long-lasting impact of these crimes. The APAV’s position is clear: the protection of children and respect for their "timing" must take precedence over strict system proportionality.

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Published

2025-12-24

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Artigos

License

Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Victimology and Restorative Justice

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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