Brave. Motivated. Determined.

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Kayleigh Kozak is the namesake behind “Kayleigh’s Law”. She is the definition of determination and her story is both moving and inspirational. Kayleigh is proof that it only takes one person to make a change.

Kayleigh is a wife, proud mother to five beautiful children, college graduate, successful stakeholder in the legislative process in multiple states, political activist and public speaker. She is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse; a category she never wanted any part of.

In February of 2020, 13 years after her case was closed, Kayleigh had to face the man who sexually abused her as a young teen again in court. Based on the current laws governing Arizona, Kayleigh was informed that when her perpetrators probation ended, so did her protection, as there was no protection for victims post probation. She had to appeal against his motion for early termination from his lifetime probation. Together, with her local legislators, Kayleigh worked to draft a bill and create a new law, providing victims and survivors of sexual and domestic abuse continued protection that would last their lifetime, regardless of the terms of their abuser’s probation status. In April of 2021, Governor Ducey signed SB1412, thus making Arizona the first state in the nation to offer protection that is valid for an actual lifetime to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. In June of 2021, the Arizona State Senate Proclaimed SB1412 as "Kayleigh’s Law". 

Kayleigh's drive and passion to continue to stand up and demand change against a broken system exemplifies her strength. 

Her grassroot efforts are changing the laws for victims and survivors across America! 

  When my abuser plead guilty and took a plea deal, it included lifetime probation. In 2020, I was informed that the man who abused me would likely have his “lifetime probation” terminated. I asked his probation officer, "what would provide direct protection for me from my abuser," because as it stood at that time, the only protection I had fell under the terms of his probation. I was informed that once his probation was lifted, my direct protection would also be gone. I could not wrap my head around the fact that it was an all or nothing scenario. A month later, and after 15 years, I had to do something that no victim should ever have to do; re-face their abuser in court and ask the judge to deny his appeal. In that moment, a fire was ignited within me. This was no longer just about me and my situation, it was about standing up and being a voice for victims and survivors everywhere! The law needed to change. God has a purpose for our pain, and fighting for this is mine. I contacted my local senator and she helped to introduce a piece of legislation in my home state of Arizona. The bill titled "SB1412" passed with complete bipartisan support. My eager heart is on fire to pursue this law to be passed throughout our nation. Victims and survivors of sexual and domestic abuse don’t just matter in Arizona, they matter everywhere! I will not stop fighting for this and I will not stop fighting for you, Because You Still Matter! 

-Kayleigh