Strickland Introduces Bill to Stop Spousal Support of Abusers

Sen. Tony Strickland, who represents Moorpark as part of California Senate District 19 introduced a bill Friday that, if passed, would stop victims of spousal sexual felonies from having to financially support their abusers.

Following is the press release issued by Strickland's office Friday:

(Sacramento, CA) – Senate Bill 966, authored by Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Simi Valley) was introduced today.

SB 966 would add a provision to existing law by stating that a person, whose husband or wife has been convicted of a violent sexual felony against them, will not have to pay spousal support; medical, life, or insurance payments; or attorney’s fees to the spouse they were victimized by. Current law already covers instances where a person is convicted of attempting to murder his or her spouse.

“I was outraged when I heard a California woman, whose husband was convicted of sexually assaulting her, was ordered to pay spousal support to her husband,” Sen. Strickland said. “Here’s a woman who has been assaulted, is working hard to raise her two young children, and now must pay the person who assaulted her. It’s unbelievable.”

“No person who has been sexually assaulted should have to pay the person who victimized them,” Sen. Strickland added. “Unfortunately, this has already happened here in California, but it’s my hope with the passage of this legislation, something as egregious as this won’t ever happen again.”

SB 966 heads to the Senate Rules Committee for assignment.