California law silences abuse victims in court. The Legislature could finally change that

California law silences abuse victims in court. The Legislature could finally change that

Guest Commentary written by Susan Bustamante Susan Bustamante is a member of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. Thirty years ago, I did the bravest thing I could imagine: I asked for help. I had survived years of childhood sexual abuse by my father, followed by a violently abusive marriage. For years my husband beat me, threatened me, forced me into isolation and even forced me to have an abortion. I endured it and stayed quiet until…

CA Law Silences Abuse Victims in Court. The Legislature Could Finally Change That

Susan Bustamante was sentenced to life without parole in her husband's killing. At trial, she wasn't allowed to testify to years of abuse.