Survivor's campaign drives federal bill for lifetime no-contact protection for abuse victims

Kayleigh Kozak, who was abused as a child by a teacher-coach, learned that her perpetrator’s lifetime probation could be ended, leaving her without legal protection. Determined to prevent such gaps, she helped pass Arizona’s “Kayleigh’s Law,” which lets victims of certain sexual and violent crimes petition for a permanent no-contact injunction. Building on that success, Rep. Abe Hamadeh introduced a federal version that prohibits any direct or indirect contact with the victim for the offender’s lifetime.

The bill cleared the House of Representatives by voice vote, showing bipartisan support, but must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the president. Kozak, senior manager at the America First Policy Institute, argues the law is essential to stop victims from being forced back into courtrooms years after their trauma. The proposal would make violations of the injunction a criminal offense, ensuring lasting protection for survivors.