In a significant gathering to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SDCDA Summer Stephan, alongside the San Diego Domestic Violence Council and community leaders, convened in Balboa Park. The event, aimed to empower survivors and commemorate individuals lost to domestic violence, also celebrated the county's decline in DV homicides—a 50% decrease from the previous year. According to the statistics from the San Diego County District Attorney, this year's number of domestic violence homicide victims is the lowest San Diego has seen in three decades.
The coordinated efforts of the DA's Office and various social service agencies have been to reduce domestic violence through prosecution and victim support steadily. In doing so, they also aim openly to empower survivors to build a life free from abuse. "Domestic violence does not discriminate and does not know borders," District Attorney Summer Stephan stated in the news release. Furthermore, the DA's Office reported filing charges in 1,892 domestic violence cases in 2023, responding to 16,666 calls for help countywide.
One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, managed by the DA's Office, exemplifies the dedication to providing comprehensive services for abuse victims. Over 6,000 victims have found assistance here since its 2022 opening. Evolving efforts include a cross-border partnership with the State of Baja California, ensuring vital services are encompassed for victims on both sides of the frontier. These resources are critical in supporting victims striving to reach safe havens for recovery and rebuilding.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available for those in need, offering confidential support at 1-800-799-7233.
