Paris – 10.06.2026: Following the tragic death of Lyhanna in the Gers department, Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Gender Equality, announced her intention to include the non-statute of limitations for sexual violence in the upcoming child protection law. She emphasized that the current limitation period “protects the perpetrators” and “condemns the victims.”
Lyhanna, a 15-year-old girl from Gers, was found dead two weeks ago. Investigations revealed that she had been subjected to sexual violence over an extended period. This case has caused nationwide outrage and rekindled the debate on limitation periods for such crimes.
Currently, the statute of limitations for sexual violence against minors in France is 20 years from the victim’s 18th birthday. Bergé argues that this period allows perpetrators to evade responsibility while victims often only find the courage to come forward years later. She therefore calls for legal reform to make such crimes non-prescriptible.
In the past, there have been attempts to extend limitation periods for sexual violence. For example, in 2014, a bill was discussed that would have shifted the start of the limitation period to when the victim becomes aware of the offense. However, this initiative faced legal and practical concerns, particularly regarding evidence and protecting the rights of the accused.
Bergé stressed that the proposed legal change would not only deliver justice to victims but also send a strong message to society that sexual violence is unacceptable and does not expire. She announced plans to collaborate in the coming weeks with Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet and other relevant authorities to examine the legal framework for such reform.
Reactions to Bergé’s proposal are mixed. While victim advocacy groups and many politicians welcome the initiative, some jurists warn of potential problems with implementation and the risk of miscarriages of justice. They emphasize the need to safeguard the accused’s rights and strengthen evidence requirements.
Regardless of the debate over limitation periods, Lyhanna’s case remains a tragic example of the ongoing issue of sexual violence against minors in France. The planned legal reform could represent a step toward better protection for children and adolescents.
The public now eagerly awaits the government’s next steps and the progress of the legislative proposal. It remains to be seen if and how the non-statute of limitations for sexual violence will be incorporated into the child protection law.