What is the statute of limitations when the victim was under 16 at the time of the crime?

In cases where the victim was under the age of 16 at the time the crime was committed, the statute of limitations is designed to account for the vulnerability of minors and the potential for delayed reporting of the crime. The correct answer specifies that the limitations period begins when the victim reaches the age of 16 or when the crime is reported, whichever occurs first.

This provision protects the interests of minors who may not be in a position to report the crime immediately due to factors such as fear, manipulation, or lack of understanding of the situation. By allowing the statute of limitations to be extended until they reach a more mature age (16 years old) or until they report the crime, the law aims to ensure that victims have the opportunity to seek justice without a strict cutoff that might rush or inhibit their reporting.

In contrast, the other options suggest different interpretations that do not align with the legal standards and protections afforded to minors. For instance, beginning the period at the age of 18 fails to recognize the situation of the victim at the time of the offense. Starting the period when the crime is reported creates confusion, as it doesn't account for the victim's age status. Identifying the start of the limitations as immediately after the crime undermines the specific