LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new law signed by Gov. Andy Beshear will increase penalties for those who abuse a child under the age of 12. House Bill 263 or better known as “Kami’s Law” was created after 7th grader Kiera Dunk heard Kami Belongie’s story.
At just nine months old, Kami was physically attacked by her mother’s boyfriend, Paul Raque. Kami spent nearly 3 months in the hospital and another month at Frazier Rehab.
“As long as her heart fights, I want you to fight and I remember looking at her and I said, ‘Please just hold her hand and tell her that mommy loves her no matter what,’” Kami’s mom, Kylie McCarthy said.
Kami suffered a severe brain injury that left her non-verbal, having to re-learn how to crawl, sit-up and look left to right. While Raque served less than 5 years in prison.
Kiera Dunk, creator of “Kami’s Law” and Kami Belongie smile for a picture. (Kami’s Law Kentucky)
“He shook and threw her so hard it tore the ligaments that deliver the blood supply to the left half of the brain. It’s gone,” McCarthy said.
After hearing Kami’s story, 7th grader Kiera Dunk created “Kami’s Law,” to increase penalties for child abusers. Kiera worked with speaker of the house, David Osborne, who then became one of the bill’s primary sponsors.
“I felt proud of my state for passing this important law. I felt humbled because I know how hard making a bill is. I felt thankful because Kami finally got justice,” Kiera Dunk said.
Her hope of preventing this from happening to another family was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear.
“She was actually my first phone call because I knew Kiera would want Kylie to know first and Kami,” Kiera’s mom, Brandi Dunk, said. “It was very emotional. She was crying and she finally felt that something good had come out of a horrible tragedy.”
Giving Kami and her family the ultimate gift.
“She gave me back, she gave me hope, she gave my family hope,” McCarthy said. “Kiera and her mom and her family lobbied for us, they went and made cookies, they went and talked, they went and spoke, they put their lives on hold to change my daughter’s life.”
Gov. Beshear signed “Kami’s Law” on March 25. In a statement sent to Spectrum News 1, Gov. Beshear said: “HB 263 means that those who commit one of the most atrocious acts possible against Kentucky’s children–acts that steal individuals’ childhood and trust and violates them in ways most of us can never comprehend–will face increased penalties, ensuring these heinous crimes are treated as such. As Attorney General and now Governor, I have always prioritized the safety and wellbeing of Kentucky’s children and I will continue to do so in every decision I make.”