Cabinet proposes longer statute of limitations for sexual assault of minors

Taipei, Jan. 29 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday proposed an amendment to the Criminal Code that would start the statute of limitations in sexual assault cases involving minors when victims turn 20.

Under the proposed amendment, the period during which legal action may be taken would be extended by between five and 30 years from that date, depending on the severity of the offense.

Sexual assault includes offenses such as rape, forcible sexual acts and indecent assault involving minors.

Deputy Minister of Justice Huang Mou-hsin (黃謀信) said victims of sexual assault often delay reporting abuse due to trauma, fear of repercussions in relationships marked by power imbalances, or a lack of awareness of their legal rights.

Under current law, the statute of limitations is calculated from the date of the offense, a provision that effectively limits the time available for victims to seek legal recourse, Huang said at a weekly Cabinet news conference.

The proposal draws on legal frameworks in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, which specify a fixed age at which the statute of limitations begins to run in sexual assault cases involving minors, according to the Ministry of Justice.

In a separate proposal, the Cabinet also approved amendments targeting the use of computer-generated content to damage others' reputations.

Under the draft revision, individuals who use computer-generated images, audio recordings or electromagnetic records to insult others publicly would face up to two years in prison, detention, and an optional fine of up to NT$200,000 (US$6,386).

Those implicated in libel cases involving the use of such content could face up to three years in prison, detention and an optional fine of NT$300,000.

Both proposals will be submitted to the Legislature for review.