Justice for Rape Survivors Act

This proposal, called the Justice for Rape Survivors Act, would require very long prison sentences for certain federal sexual abuse crimes. It sets a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, and allows life in prison, for aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse under federal law. Today, judges can give “any term of years or life.” Under this bill, they must give at least 30 years for these offenses.

The crimes covered include using force or threats to make someone engage in a sexual act, making someone unconscious or intoxicated to do so, targeting someone who is incapacitated, and engaging in a sexual act without the other person’s consent. These changes apply to federal cases.

• Who is affected: People convicted in federal court of sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse.
• What changes: Judges must give at least 30 years in prison; life is still allowed.
• Where it applies: Federal cases involving sexual abuse crimes listed in the bill.