Victory for victims of rape

Columbus Dispatch: The Ohio Legislature did the right thing by unanimously passing legislation to extend the period allowed for prosecution of rape or sexual battery from 20 to 25 years. Being passed as an emergency measure means the bill will take effect quickly.

A drive by Attorney General Mike DeWine over the past several years to seek justice for rape victims has unearthed stories both good and bad. Some rapists have been identified years after DNA evidence tying them to the crime was gathered, while in some cases victims have been prevented by the 20-year statute of limitations from being able to pursue legal action against their attacker.

The bill allows more time in cases where DNA evidence identifies an alleged attacker. Advances in science and technology, in addition to the state aid that DeWine has made available to overburdened local law-enforcement agencies, have made it possible to pursue leads in numerous Ohio cases.