Kirbi Davenport and her family set out to increase penalties for child abuse after her daughter, Kilah, was hurt last May. Police say Kilah's stepfather severely abused her.

"I just wanted North Carolina laws to change," said Kirbi Davenport.

Eyewitness News was with the Davenport family in Raleigh in February when lawmakers introduced legislation in Kilah's name that would increase penalties.

Now, there are efforts to take that to a federal level with legislation that would be named Kilah's Act. Rep. Robert Pittenger, R-N.C., is leading that effort, researching the issue right now.

"We'd like to see some federal legislation that parallels what is being done here in the state," said Pittenger.

Pittenger said he met Kilah and her family at a Union County parade and was impacted by her story.

"They are going through tremendous grief yet they are being proactive so this doesn't happen to other families," he said.

"If I can at least affect one person, deter someone from doing it, then that's good enough for me," said Kirbi Davenport.

Davenport said she wishes her daughter never had to be the face of new legislation but hopes at least Kilah's story can save others.

"I told her you just keep fighting your way back and then one day you can tell them, you can tell everyone what you've been through," said Kirbi Davenport.

It is still in the research process. Pittenger said he and staff will work on this through the spring and hope to see some kind of legislation drafted this year. He said he and his staff have been meeting with prosecutors and law enforcement to get their input.