In response to an uptick in domestic abuse cases, San Mateo County officials have taken definitive action to support survivors, especially those facing the highest risks. On Tuesday, as reported by the County of San Mateo's official news release, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to establish a Domestic Violence High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team designed to offer urgent, coordinated interventions to those in dire need.
The move, spearheaded by supervisors Noelia Corzo and Dave Pine, brings together a coalition of survivor advocates, health professionals, legal aid workers, and law enforcement to form a responsive unit capable of immediate and specialized attention. The team's formation was fueled by concerning statistics from San Mateo County, where five individuals were slain due to domestic violence in 2023, and the current year has already tallied the same number of homicides in San Mateo City alone, all linked to domestic violence situations.
Supervisor Noelia Corzo, co-sponsor of the resolution, explained the team's mission: "The High-Risk Case Multidisciplinary Team will provide immediate and specialized attention and offer survivors of domestic violence the coordinated support they need to find safety and thrive," according to the County of San Mateo, a statement encapsulating the supervisors' resolve. Corzo also noted that this initiative evolved from last year's establishment of a Domestic Violence Task Force, signifying ongoing efforts to improve cross-agency coordination and implement learned best practices.
Concurrent with their dedication to supporting survivors, supervisors are also addressing the perils linked to domestic abusers with access to firearms. Supervisor Pine voiced a poignant concern, stating, “Sadly, many high risk DV cases also involve firearms,” according to the County of San Mateo, he highlighted the potential of the specialized team to enable early identification of armed perpetrators, thereby thwarting potentially explosive confrontations. Additionally, the San Mateo County Gun Violence Prevention Program intersects here by removing firearms from those legally restricted due to restraining orders.
