Community Leaders Unite to Mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stand With Survivors, Remember DV Victims

San Diego County District Attorney, Summer Stephan, joined the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert, community leaders and other social service agencies to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a ceremony at the City of San Diego’s new location for the San Diego Family Justice Center – Your Safe Place, a division of the City Attorney’s Office.

The annual event brings together professionals, survivors, and community members to raise awareness about domestic violence (DV) and remember those whose lives were taken in DV incidents during the previous year. This year, the event theme is “Safe Homes, Strong Communities.” This is the first event of four, with events to occur throughout the county during the month of October.

In 2025, nine people were killed by a current or former intimate partner. Overall DV homicides continue to remain lower than the average from the prior two decades.

The San Diego Domestic Violence Council works with its community partners and law enforcement agencies, like the DA and City Attorney’s Offices, to support victims in several ways.

“Behind every domestic violence homicide is a life that mattered, a family forever changed and a community left to grieve,” DA Stephan said. “We cannot allow these victims to become just names on a list. We honor them by recommitting ourselves to work tirelessly to prevent the next tragedy. I have seen the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and ask for help, and I want every person experiencing abuse to know that they are not alone. As prosecutors, law enforcement, service providers and community members, we all have a role to play in breaking the cycle of violence, protecting victims and preventing deadly violence Through partnerships across our county and resources like the Family Justice Centers, we are working to ensure survivors have a path to safety and the support they need. Safe homes are the foundation of strong communities, and together, we can build a San Diego where every person can live free from abuse and violence.”

Last year, there were 14,979 domestic violence calls for assistance made to law enforcement across San Diego County, a decrease of 4.5% from 2024. The DA’s Office filed charges in 1,823 domestic violence cases in 2025.

One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers, which are a project of the DA’s Office, provide resources and services all under one roof for anyone who has experienced abuse or violence. Since opening the One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos in 2022, and then One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City in 2025, more than 16,400 people have been served.

This year, the event to start off Domestic Violence Awareness Month was held at the San Diego Family Justice Center — Your Safe Place, at its new location in Kearny Mesa. The San Diego Family Justice Center is a division of the City Attorney’s Office and provides comprehensive, confidential services to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, family violence, older and dependent adult abuse, strangulation, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or gun violence.

“Domestic violence, elder abuse, strangulation, sexual assault, trafficking, and gun violence often overlap, and people experiencing them should not have to figure out which door to knock on,” said San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert. “The San Diego Family Justice Center welcomes anyone who walks in, confidentially and at no cost. Its new home in Kearny Mesa allows us to serve more survivors. Every San Diegan deserves this support, and my office is committed to ensuring it is there.”

During the event, which included a resource fair and a candlelight vigil ceremony honoring homicide victims, Natalia Duncan shared her personal story of surviving domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is far more common than people realize, and I am proof that it can happen to anyone,” said Natalia Duncan. “If leaving my marriage was a struggle with resources and support behind me, imagine what it takes for a woman with none of that. So instead of asking, ‘Why didn’t she leave?’ ask, ‘What would make it safer and easier for her to leave?’”

The San Diego Domestic Violence Council is a collaboration of organizations and community members who seek to reduce and prevent domestic violence. Partner agencies include the DA’s Office, San Diego County Health and Human Services, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement and social services agencies.

“Safe homes are the foundation of strong communities,” said Analicia McKee-Chau, President of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council. “Everyone deserves to live free from fear, abuse, and violence. Creating that safety is something we all have a role in. Safe homes mean survivors know they will be believed, supported, and connected to resources. They mean children grow up understanding that healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and safety. And they mean friends, neighbors, families, schools, workplaces, and community partners are willing to speak up and stand beside those experiencing abuse. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that stronger communities begin with safer homes. As a Council, we are committed to coming together, supporting survivors, and working alongside our community to make that a reality.”

If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for confidential support and assistance planning for safety. More information and resources can be found on the DA’s website here.

The DV Council will host additional community events throughout October, which you can find here. Attached is a list of domestic violence homicide victims who will not be forgotten.