In a shocking display of coordinated action that could only be described as ‘terrifyingly organised,’ women across France have risen up to demand an end to the statute of limitations on rape. This is a development that has sent tremors through the British chattering classes, not because of the grave injustice it seeks to address, but because it allows us to smugly point out that we already did it. Yes, while the French are still arguing over whether a crime committed in 1998 is worth prosecuting in 2024, the UK has been merrily chucking historical rapists into the dock with the enthusiasm of a Vogon reading poetry.
Let us be clear: the French system, which currently gives rapists a handy ‘get out of jail free’ card after 20 or 30 years depending on the severity, is an absurdist farce that would make even the most hardened Parisian shrug in existential despair. Imagine, if you will, a serial predator who has terrorised dozens of women over three decades. Under French law, his first ten victims are effectively told, ‘Sorry, time’s up. He’s legally free to continue.’ It is a system designed by men who probably still think ‘non’ means ‘try harder.’ And now, after months of protests that have seen women brandishing placards with slogans like ‘My trauma doesn’t expire’ and ‘Statute of limitations is an insult to survivors,’ the French government has finally deigned to listen. Quelle surprise.
Meanwhile, across the English Channel, we have been operating under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which abolished the statute of limitations for rape entirely. This means that if a woman in Britain was assaulted in 1975, she can still report it today, and the police are legally obliged to investigate. Of course, that doesn’t mean they will—our police force is so underfunded and overworked that they would probably ask if the victim could come back next week when they’ve finished dealing with a rogue badger—but the principle is there. We have the moral high ground, and by God, we will use it to patronise our continental neighbours.
The irony, of course, is that despite this progressive law, conviction rates in the UK are still abysmally low. Only around 1.3% of reported rapes result in a conviction, a statistic that would be laughable if it weren't so tragic. So while we can crow about our enlightened legal framework, the reality is that the system is still stacked against survivors. But why let facts get in the way of a good bout of national superiority? The French are, after all, the people who gave us the baguette and existentialism, neither of which are particularly useful in a court of law.
Perhaps the real lesson here is that laws on paper mean nothing without the political will and resources to enforce them. France can change its statute of limitations tomorrow, but unless it also tackles the deep-seated misogyny in its police force and judiciary, the change will be as effective as a chocolate teapot. Similarly, the UK can pat itself on the back for its progressive legislation, but until we start believing survivors and stop treating rape trials as inquisitions into the victim’s underwear drawer, we are no better.
But for now, let us enjoy this moment of schadenfreude. The French are having their reckoning, and we are here to watch with a cup of tea and a smug smile. After all, in the grand tradition of British-French rivalry, nothing bonds us more than the opportunity to say, ‘At least we’re not as bad as them.’ Until, of course, the next scandal breaks and the spotlight turns back on us. The wheel of outrage keeps turning, and we all get our turn in the stocks. Vive la différence.
