Crystal Harris, a woman who had been raped in her violent marriage has been victimized all over again after being forced to pay her her abusive ex-husband spousal support.
Crystal Harris is a financial analyst who makes a six-figure salary and said she had been supporting her out-of-work husband Shawn Harris for years.
When Crystal Harris hauled him to court following a violent sex attack, she was shocked to learn what the divorce would cost her.
Shawn Harris was jailed and forced to register as a sex offender after he was convicted of spousal rape last year.
After his conviction was handed down, Shawn Harris requested spousal support – and it was granted.
In cases such as this, the court will normally award $3,000 a month in spousal support, but lowered it to $1,000 amid the abuse claims.
“I call that the rape discount,” Crystal Harris told ABC News.
In addition, Crystal Harris was ordered to pay her ex-husband’s legal fees from the divorce case.
Crystal Harris told 10News.com: “It makes me feel victimized all over again that I should have to pay a dime to this man who has turned my life upside down.”
Throughout the trial, Shawn Harris claimed he was role-playing with his wife, an activity he said they often took part in, posing as Tarzan and Jane or a hooker and pimp.
One of the key pieces of evidence used to convict him was a tape recorder that Crystal Harris had hidden in her underwear drawer on the night of the attack.
Crystal Harris told ABC News: “To this day I feel broken-hearted about the fact that this has all happened. I’m not happy about the way my life has turned out.”
