Germany’s Justice Minister is proposing an extension to the statute of limitations for rape, increasing it from five to twenty years. The proposed change aims to provide more time for victims to come forward and seek justice. Currently, the five-year limit often prevents prosecution in cases where victims may take time to process trauma and report the crime. The Minister indicated further revisions to sexual offense laws are also under consideration, though details remain limited. This move follows ongoing discussions about victim support and addressing underreporting of sexual violence. The proposal is expected to face debate within the governing coalition and requires parliamentary approval to become law. Advocates for victims’ rights have generally welcomed the potential change as a significant step forward.