Crystal Harris of Carlsbad, California is a skilled financial advisor and the mother of two young boys.
She is perhaps best known for leading the successful campaign to pass California’s AB 1522, landmark legislation that closed a loophole in state law which had allowed victims of spousal rape to be ordered to pay alimony to their attackers.
In recognition of her advocacy, Crystal received the Center for Community Solutions Courage Award and the California Federation of Republican Women’s “Woman of the Year” Award in 2012 for her work advancing AB 1522.
She also championed “Kathy’s Law,” a public safety proposal aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence by authorizing courts to order GPS monitoring of high-risk violent offenders, providing an additional layer of accountability and protection for those at risk.
About AB 1522
California’s AB 1522 (Chapter 718, Statutes of 2012) strengthened protections for survivors in divorce proceedings by restricting spousal support awards to a spouse who has been criminally convicted of certain serious offenses against the other spouse. In practical terms, it was designed to prevent a survivor of spousal rape or severe domestic violence from being forced into ongoing financial support obligations to the person who harmed them.
The measure also addressed related financial issues in these cases—such as directing how attorney’s fees and costs may be handled—so that protections for the injured spouse are not undermined by additional court-ordered payments. Source (California Family Code § 4324.5)
In recognition of her advocacy, Crystal received the Center for Community Solutions Courage Award and the California Federation of Republican Women’s “Woman of the Year” Award in 2012 for her work advancing AB 1522.
She also championed “Kathy’s Law,” a public safety proposal aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence by authorizing courts to order GPS monitoring of high-risk violent offenders, providing an additional layer of accountability and protection for those at risk.
About AB 1522
California’s AB 1522 (Chapter 718, Statutes of 2012) strengthened protections for survivors in divorce proceedings by restricting spousal support awards to a spouse who has been criminally convicted of certain serious offenses against the other spouse. In practical terms, it was designed to prevent a survivor of spousal rape or severe domestic violence from being forced into ongoing financial support obligations to the person who harmed them.
The measure also addressed related financial issues in these cases—such as directing how attorney’s fees and costs may be handled—so that protections for the injured spouse are not undermined by additional court-ordered payments. Source (California Family Code § 4324.5)