safety
Her ex racked up $7,000 of credit card debt, crumbling her finances. Now, a new law could require abusers to pay.
By Cara Tabachnick at CBS4 Miami
· June 17, 2026
· 6 min read
Four years into her second marriage, she didn't ask questions when her husband asked her to sign on to a credit card in her name. But then the relationship turned abusive, she said. When she left her marriage, she found herself in financial distress, with her credit score tanking hundreds of points
Key takeaway "I never used the card that was issued," Juliette, who asked CBS News not to use her full name for personal safety reasons, said.
Why this matters in The Miami
In Miami , where economic stability can be precarious due to the threat of Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise, the financial fallout from domestic abuse can be particularly devastating. For survivors like Juliette, coerced debt can limit access to safe and affordable housing, a concern in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood where rents are rising. The new law in New York, which allows relief from coerced debt for survivors of domestic violence, may serve as a model for similar legislation in Florida. Miami-Dade County, with its large and diverse population, including many Latin American and Caribbean communities, may benefit from such protections. As the county's government and social services agencies work to support survivors of domestic abuse, they may look to laws like New York's as a way to help individuals rebuild their financial lives and achieve stability in the face of economic uncertainty.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Four years into her second marriage, she didn't ask questions when her husband asked her to sign on to a credit card in her name. But then the relationship turned abusive, she said. When she left her marriage, she found herself in financial distress, with her credit score tanking hundreds of points
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cara Tabachnick at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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