Dear Mr. Speaker and Representative Jeffries,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 8481, the “Kayleigh’s Law Act.”
Victims of crime are often repeatedly faced with the trauma of their assault – during the act itself, in the mental, physical, and emotional aftermath, and then again when they are made to face their attacker in court during the adjudication process. Proper healing and justice become much less attainable when the legal process retraumatizes the victim.
Your legislation, inspired by Kayleigh Kozak, a victim and survivor of a childhood sex crime, would close gaps in Federal law by ensuring that victims of violent crime and sexual assault have lifetime protections against their abuser. All forms of communication between the two parties would be prohibited for the remainder of the assailant’s life – a lifetime injunction – even upon the conclusion of imprisonment, probation, or supervised release. As in Kayleigh’s case, no one should ever have to justify their need for safety multiple times or be revictimized by reliving the crime.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this issue. If I can be of any help or provide additional information in support of this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President