AFPI’s Kayleigh Kozak Testifies to Protect Victims of Sexual Abuse
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Kayleigh Kozak, senior manager for America Combats Child Exploitation Initiative at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance on Kayleigh’s Law. Kayleigh’s Law includes federal protections for victims of sexual abuse—creating lifetime injunctions to protect them from being contacted by their abusers.
Kozak has fought tirelessly for the victims of sexual abuse, after suffering through this horrific crime herself at only twelve years old.
AFPI leaders shared their support for their courageous colleague’s fight to protect these victims:
“Every woman deserves to know that her safety is lasting, protected, and taken seriously. Kayleigh’s Law reflects a system that finally puts survivors first and removes the burden of reliving trauma just to stay safe. As this effort moves to the federal level, we have a responsibility to stand with survivors like Kayleigh Kozak and ensure their protection never expires.” –Stacey Schieffelin, Chair of the America First Women’s Initiative
"Kayleigh's Law ensures that justice doesn't end when a sentence does. Victims of sexual violence deserve last protection, not ongoing fear or legal battles. Lifetime no-contact injunctions would close a critical gap and put victim safety first." –Brett Tolman, Chair of Law & Justice at the America First Policy Institute
“Having led programs that rehabilitate thousands of men and women who have committed heinous crimes, I’ve seen firsthand what accountability requires. In no case is it appropriate to allow an offender access to their victim. Protection is a God given right, it should not be left to the discretion of a court or a judge. The only person who should ever have a voice in that decision is the victim.” -Jack Brewer, Chair for Opportunity Now and Vice Chair for 1776 at the America First Policy Institute
AFPI is committed to promoting policies that protect children from harm, require full accountability for institutions, systems and perpetrators who victimize children, and allow for zero tolerance for those who commit heinous sexual crimes against innocent victims.