In general, for all sexual abuse cases, there is a statute of limitations for both the victim and the offender. For the offender, the statute of limitation is strict; if the district attorney doesn't file charges within a certain period of time then no charges can be brought forward in future. When it comes to statute of limitations for victims, there is a significant leeway. In most cases, the victim is allowed to extend the statute of limitations, especially if the victim was a minor. The extension of statute of limitations for filing civil actions is based on the discovery rule. For example children often do not realize that sexual abuse was occurring until they grow up or the relationship may still be ongoing during …show more content…
Data reveal that nearly 13% of young users of the internet receive unwanted sexual solicitations from strangers. And at least 9% of young internet users are constantly being exposed to obscene pornographic images and other sexual material while online. Many predators seek young children and teenagers who are vulnerable to seduction. In many cases, young girls are promised money to participate in photo sessions, which later turn out to be pornographic operations.
The law surrounding internet sexual crimes are still evolving but can be just as serious. Because the internet crosses many geographic borders, the charges are usually more severe. There are still no specific laws related to sex talk with minors but any transmission of online child pornography or pornographic material to minors is a federal crime and is harshly punished.
At least 2/3rd of perpetrators of online sexual abuse are known to the minors. In about 1/3rd of cases, the perpetrators are close family members. Not all perpetrators of online sexual abuse are adults; data indicate that nearly 23% of the reported cases are conducted by individuals under the age of 18. While every state has laws about sexual crimes over the internet, there is still much room for improvement. However, in most cases, the federal government gets involved and the punishment may range from incarceration