Crystal Harris championed the passage of California's AB 1522, closing a loophole
that allowed a spouse who had been raped to be compelled to pay alimony to her attacker.
The bill stemmed from Crystal's own experience as a victim of such a crime. Despite her ex-husband having been convicted of rape, Crystal was later compelled by a judge to pay spousal support to her attacker in addition to his attorneys fees.
The bill stemmed from Crystal's own experience as a victim of such a crime. Despite her ex-husband having been convicted of rape, Crystal was later compelled by a judge to pay spousal support to her attacker in addition to his attorneys fees.
Prior to the passage of AB 1522, the California Family Code only provided exceptions
to spousal support payments in cases where attempted murder or solicitation of murder
had taken place.
Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law on September 28, 2012 and it became effective January 1, 2013.
Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law on September 28, 2012 and it became effective January 1, 2013.
News Coverage
Sexual assault victim ordered to pay alimony to attacker (ABC News)
DA pushes for new law to protect spousal assault victims (10 News)
Crystal Harris rallies to make a change (NBC News)
Sexual assault victim ordered to pay alimony to attacker (ABC News)
DA pushes for new law to protect spousal assault victims (10 News)
Crystal Harris rallies to make a change (NBC News)