Madison – Representative Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) had the honor of seeing Kayleigh’s Law, a bill she authored that would offer rape victims the right to petition for a lifetime restraining order against their assailant, signed by the governor on the final day of the legislative session. Rep. Dittrich was joined at the bill signing ceremony by supporters including the bill’s namesake, Kayleigh Kozak, in the governor’s office on April 15th.
“As I have stated in the past, in these times where out-of-control crime is a primary issue of concern in communities, we seem to have put the victim last. This new law empowers rape victims and respects their dignity by putting their wishes first. I could not be more proud that I had the privilege of helping make Wisconsin the second state in the union to enact Kayleigh’s Law, giving victims the chance to ensure their protection against their assailants,” shared Rep. Dittrich.
Kayleigh’s Law, as amended, would allow a victim to petition a judge for a lifetime restraining order against a convicted rapist. Under the law as it was previously written, a restraining order could only be issued for an adult for up to four years and for a child for up to two years. Those orders could be extended by four years for adults and two years for children, with the option for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children if there is a substantial risk to the survivor. This new law, with a more permanent option, would protect survivors against convicted rapists of 1st degree, 2nd degree, or 3rd degree sexual assault, as well as in the case of an “individual at risk”.
