Our Mission
The Invisible Wounds Victims’ Rights Act is an independent legislative initiative dedicated to recognizing the profound psychological injuries that can result from violent criminal acts. Our mission is to ensure that Arizona’s victims’ rights laws appropriately recognize qualifying mental injuries directly and proximately caused by criminal conduct while preserving the integrity of the existing constitutional and statutory framework.
We recognize that, in some cases, those who suffer these life-altering psychological injuries may not be the direct victim or intended target of the violent crime itself, yet they nonetheless experience significant trauma as a direct result of the criminal act.
Through thoughtful research, legal analysis, and public engagement, we seek to develop legislation that is evidence-based, carefully defined, and shaped by the voices of victims, legal professionals, mental health experts, first responders, and the broader community.
We believe the strongest laws are built through transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to justice for those whose deepest wounds cannot always be seen.
Why This Bill?
Arizona has long recognized that victims of crime deserve dignity, respect, and meaningful participation in the criminal justice process. Yet not every injury caused by violent crime is visible. While physical wounds are often apparent, profound psychological injuries can leave lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities for years after the crime itself.
In some cases, those who suffer these psychological injuries are not the direct victim or intended target of the criminal act. They may be first responders, witnesses, family members, or others whose trauma is directly connected to the criminal offense. Although their lives may be permanently changed, current law may not clearly recognize these injuries within Arizona’s victims’ rights framework.
The Invisible Wounds Victims’ Rights Act was created to encourage thoughtful discussion about whether Arizona law should recognize qualifying psychological injuries that are directly and proximately caused by criminal conduct, even when the individual experiencing those injuries was not the direct victim of the crime itself. This proposal is not intended to create an unlimited expansion of victims’ rights or to encompass ordinary stress or emotional distress. Instead, it seeks to establish carefully defined legal standards that recognize serious psychological injuries while preserving the integrity of Arizona’s existing constitutional and statutory protections.
This initiative is built on the belief that good legislation should be transparent, evidence-based, and informed by diverse perspectives. That is why this website exists—not only to present a legislative proposal, but also to invite thoughtful input from victims, legal professionals, mental health experts, first responders, policymakers, and members of the public.
Meaningful legislation is strengthened through open dialogue. Whether you support this proposal, have concerns about its language, or believe it can be improved, your feedback is welcome. Our shared goal is to ensure that Arizona’s laws continue to protect victims fairly, thoughtfully, and with the compassion and integrity they deserve.
About Me
My name is Tom Gallagher, and I am a retired Phoenix Police Officer who has seen firsthand how violent crime can leave lasting wounds that are not always visible. Throughout my career, I met officers whose lives were forever changed—not only by physical injuries, but by profound psychological trauma that often goes unrecognized. My own experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the lasting impact these invisible wounds can have on individuals, families, and communities, including those who were not the direct victim or intended target of the criminal act, but whose psychological injuries were nonetheless caused by it.
The Invisible Wounds Victims’ Rights Act grew out of a simple belief: that our laws should recognize qualifying psychological injuries resulting from criminal acts, even when those who suffer them are not the direct victim of the crime itself. This initiative is about listening, learning, and working with victims, legal professionals, mental health experts, and the public to build thoughtful legislation that is fair, carefully crafted, and grounded in both compassion and the rule of law. My hope is that this project sparks meaningful conversation and ultimately helps ensure that no qualifying victim’s suffering is overlooked simply because it cannot be seen.
Updates
August 12, 2026 - I had to cancel the meeting due to my appearance in court. Senator Payne is in possession of the proposal, and per his staff, we will reschedule the meeting.
August 11, 2026 — Meeting with Senator Payne’s staff to discuss the Invisible Wounds Victims’ Rights Act and next steps.