Cuomo signs bill extending statute of limitations for rape

NEW YORK — New York Gov. We have denied this for too long.” The new law extends the statute of limitations from five years to 20 years for second-degree rape and from five years to 10 years for third-degree rape. “The law said a victim of rape has to bring their claim in five years or they lose their right,” Cuomo said. “Five years is a terribly short period of time if you have any appreciation for what the person went through.” Sorvino, who was one of producer Harvey Weinstein’s early accusers and who has said she is a survivor of date rape by another man whom she did not identify, said every time someone stands up to “rape culture” it means “we stand up for all of us.” “There is a hunger out there for justice,” Sorvino said, “and we are here to tell all of you who feel that hunger that we are getting closer to that day when predators will not abuse unabated in an atmosphere of impunity.” Michelle Hurd, a leader of Time’s Up and an actress known for her role on the TV series “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” said that the vast majority of rapes are second- and third-degree rapes. But not any more.” She added: “No longer will New York state have an unjust expiration date on justice for survivors of rape.” The new law also extends the statute of limitations to 20 years for a criminal sexual act in the second degree and incest in the second degree, and to 10 years for a criminal sexual act in the third degree.