The ability to get trapped by shame and guilt isn't a sign you're a 'helpless little thing,' Janey7 - it's part of what makes rape the particularly horrible crime that it is.  And it happens to some pretty strong women - and for that matter, some pretty strong men.  Judges have come to learn this, and I'm talking both male and female (with notable exceptions of the Robin Camp variety).

There's no doubt that a trial over events of 10 years earlier will be difficult - murder, sexual assault, or whatever.  The greatest difficulty will be for the Crown, of course, since they have the burden of proof.  It doesn't mean that there should be a special short limitation period for sexual assault - that would be a grotesque piece of law.