The legal framework
There is no federal age of consent for most purposes. States set ages between 16 and 18, most with close-in-age or 'Romeo and Juliet' provisions. Definitions of consent vary: some states require force or incapacity, while a growing number have adopted affirmative consent standards, particularly for campus disciplinary proceedings under Title IX.
Key points
| Age of consent | 16 to 18 depending on the state |
|---|---|
| Close-in-age exemptions | Common, with varying age gaps |
| Position of authority | Higher ages apply for teachers, coaches, clergy and others in most states |
| Marital rape | Exemptions have been abolished in all states, though some vestigial differences remain |
| Affirmative consent | Adopted in some state laws and in many campus codes |
| Statutes of limitation | Vary widely; many states have extended or removed them for child sexual abuse |
| Civil claims | Lookback windows have allowed historic claims in several states |
| State definitions | Both the age of consent and the definition of the offence vary by state |
| Rape kit backlogs | A recognised problem; several states have tracking systems for survivors |
| Revived windows | Several states have opened lookback windows for historic claims |
In practice
- Report to the police at any station; you do not have to decide immediately whether to pursue a prosecution.
- A forensic medical examination can usually be carried out and stored before any decision to report.
- Specialist support services can attend with you and explain each step.
- Ask for written confirmation of any examination and of the report reference.
- Ask for the kit tracking number where the state provides one.
- A civil claim is possible even if the prosecutor declines to charge.
Recent changes
A wave of state reforms has extended or removed limitation periods for childhood sexual abuse, opening civil claims that were previously time-barred.
Where to go
- RAINN national sexual assault hotline 800-656-HOPE, 24/7, and online chat.
- Hospital-based SANE programmes for forensic examination.
- State victim compensation programmes.
Worth knowing
In most states a forensic exam is free and does not require you to report to the police. Ask for a SANE nurse specifically — they are trained for this and the quality of the examination matters later. Forensic examination is free under federal law and does not require you to report to the police. Many survivors are told otherwise.
Official sources and links
- USA.gov — official guide to government services
- Congress.gov — federal legislation