New bill would allow lifetime restraining orders against sexual abusers

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A new bill is seeking to allow some victims of sexual assault to petition the court for a lifetime restraining order against their abusers.

Rep. Barbara Dittrich, R-Oconomowoc, introduced Kayleigh’s Law during a news conference at the state capitol on Wednesday. The bill would allow certain sexual-assault victims to petition the court for a lifetime restraining order against the person convicted of their assault, even if the person’s probation is terminated.

Under current law, the court may grant a restraining order for as many as four years for adults and as many as two years for children. Orders can be extended for a maximum of 10 years for an adult and five years for a child if there is a substantial of homicide or sexual assault against the victim. Kayleigh’s Law would make the restraining order permanent upon the finalization of findings in first-degree, second-degree and third-degree sexual assault, as well as in cases for an individual at risk, Dittrich said.

Arizona passed Kayleigh’s Law in April. It’s named for Kayleigh Kozak, who was sexually abused as a child. She began advocating for changes to state laws after learning her abuser was requesting early termination from his lifetime probation.

Kozak and other advocates spoke in favor of the Wisconsin version of the legislation during the Wednesday news conference, citing the need for ongoing protection of survivors of abuse.

“My heart breaks for those who have been sexually abused,” said Krista Hull, executive director of Redeem & Restore Center, a nonprofit aiding victims of sex trafficking, and survivor of sexual abuse. “I am here because I care about those who have been hurt and shattered, and I want to stand alongside them and tell them they are not alone.”

Dittrich is now seeking co-sponsors for the bill. She’s hopeful that it will receive bipartisan support.

“Human trafficking is a serious issue that we talk across the aisle on here in the Legislature,” Dittrich said. “I look forward to those conversations, this will be something that everyone, after contentious bill season, can unite around.” Follow @WLJReporter