For an action arising out of an injury caused by "sexual conduct" or "sexual penetration" as defined in Section 11-0.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012, the limitation period in Section 13-202 does not run during a time period when the person injured is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud perpetrated by the perpetrator or by a person the perpetrator knew or should have known was acting in the interest of the perpetrator. This Section applies to causes of action arising on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly or to causes of action for which the limitation period has not yet expired.
13-202.3.
Article XIII. Limitations · Part 2. Personal Actions · Last amended 2013 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentencePauses the 2-year deadline in Section 13-202 for injuries from sexual conduct or sexual penetration during any period the victim is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud from the perpetrator.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/13-202.3
Plain-English Summary
This section works as a tolling add-on to Section 13-202's 2-year personal injury deadline. For an action arising from an injury caused by "sexual conduct" or "sexual penetration," as those terms are defined in the Criminal Code of 2012, the 2-year clock does not run during any period when the injured person is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud from the perpetrator, or from someone the perpetrator knew or should have known was acting in the perpetrator's interest.
The tolling rule reaches causes of action arising on or after the effective date of the amendatory act that created it, and it also reaches causes of action for which the limitation period hadn't yet expired at that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this section set its own deadline for a sexual assault lawsuit?
No. It pauses the 2-year deadline that Section 13-202 already sets for personal injury claims; it doesn't create a separate period.
What pauses the clock under this section?
Any period when the injured person is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud from the perpetrator or someone acting in the perpetrator's interest.
Which claims does this tolling rule cover?
Claims for an injury caused by "sexual conduct" or "sexual penetration," as defined in Section 11-0.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012.
Does this tolling rule apply to claims that were already time-barred before it was enacted?
It applies to causes of action arising on or after the amendatory act's effective date, and to causes of action for which the limitation period had not yet expired.
Is this the same as the childhood sexual abuse limitations rule?
No. Section 13-202.2 sets a separate rule for childhood sexual abuse; this section instead tolls the general 13-202 personal injury period for sexual-conduct and sexual-penetration injuries.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
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