DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 09-05-24
In this week’s DA News Update, District Attorney Summer Stephan recognizes victims of fentanyl overdoses, and explains a historic binational agreement to help crime victims.
Tag Archive for: One Safe Place
DA Announces Historic International Partnership with Baja California Attorney General and Family Justice Center
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today the start of a historic partnership with the Attorney General of the State Baja California, the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women and the DA’s One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center. There are close to 300 Family Justice Centers world-wide and this agreement makes One Safe Place the first Family Justice Center to have an international partnership. Baja California is the 12th-largest state by area in Mexico.
The DA also announced the renewal of a partnership between the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for the Mexican Consulate to have presence at One Safe Place via community outreach, crime prevention and vital services for the victims we serve. The partnerships were solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. [WATCH video of signing ceremony here.]
“Criminals who prey on victims for human trafficking, exploitation and violence know no borders,” said DA Summer Stephan, “Thousands cross the border every day between Tijuana and San Diego to go to work, school or visit family and friends and we know that there are many who are victims of crime on either side of the border. With this partnership, we will work together to cross-refer victims and provide vital services on both sides of the border to further regionalize help and ensure they can get to a safe and healing place no matter where they live or work.”
Since opening in July 2022, One Safe Place has served over 5,500 individuals, provided legal services to approximately 1,500 people, and received more than 16,000 calls and emails to their various helplines. One Safe Place provides support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. This is all in collaboration with over 100 community organizations and agencies like the Mexican Consulate and now the Attorney General of the State of Baja California and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women, created to prevent violence against women and girls by providing legal, psychological and social services. Victims will no longer be forced to cross the border, sometimes waiting hours, to get to services. This partnership will ensure culturally-sensitive referrals for victims to access resources where they live, work or where they are most comfortable.
“Violence against women, children, and vulnerable people leaves a deep mark on their lives. It is necessary to develop and implement action protocols to guarantee comprehensive and sensitive care for victims of gender violence,” said the Attorney General of Baja California, Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez. “For this reason, I thank the San Diego County Attorney’s Office for providing a space where Mexican authorities can assist their fellow citizens who are victims of this crime. Baja California and California share a history of fighting against criminals who commit crimes on both sides of the border. We are convinced that working together is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation to ensure that victims receive help to heal their physical and emotional wounds, as well as guarantee justice for them.”
“Considering the reality of gender violence in our state and our close relationship with the United States, strengthening binational cooperation is not only important, it is imperative,” said Magdalena Bautista, Director of the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women. “Violence against women does not recognize borders, so justice and protection should not have limits either. Through this memorandum of understanding, we are taking a significant step to expand our impact and effectiveness in providing care and access to justice for women, and we reaffirm more strongly than ever our commitment to building a future where no woman has to live in fear, and where justice knows no borders.”
The renewal of the MOU with the Mexican Consulate further creates opportunities for collaboration with One Safe Place in outreach and prevention work, including the Consulate’s participation in the free informative community event “Cafecito Con La Comunidad” which takes place the second Friday of every month at One Safe Place. Together, the Mexican Consulate and One Safe Place have hosted events on wellness, have made college connections for first generation students and provided Consulate services at One Safe Place to meet the needs of the North County community and alleviate transportation barriers for those who are unable to travel to the Consulate’s main office in downtown San Diego.
“Addressing domestic violence requires a collective effort,” said Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. “It is crucial that we work together – government agencies, community organizations, and local leaders – to provide support to victims and prevent future cases of abuse. Consular assistance and the protection of Mexican communities abroad through the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego constitutes the highest priority of our foreign policy.”
“The continued partnership with the Mexican Consulate has helped strengthen a bridge with the Latino community and helps enhance their trust in law enforcement when reporting crime and seeking help when victimized,” said DA Stephan. “Together we will continue to work to ensure that victims who seek services at One Safe Place, where the Mexican Consulate is an onsite partner, receive culturally sensitive help in their native language that focuses on safety, justice and healing.”
One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. The State Baja California Justice Center for Women is located at Avenida Moctezuma #1, Colonia Residencial de Cortez, Camino Verde, 22190 Tijuana, Baja California, with hours of operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
[VIDEO of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center.]
5 THINGS The DA’s Office Accomplished in 2023
We are more than halfway through the year and District Attorney Summer Stephan wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about some of the work we are doing at the DA’s Office. Here are 5 things the DA’s Office accomplished last year in 2023:
1- Working together, we were able to reduce the numbers of fentanyl overdoses by over 7% especially with youth.
2- We updated our unique school threats protocol with all 42 school districts that is laser focused on preventing school shootings.
3- We grew and supported a first-of-its-kind Elder Justice Task Force that is working around the clock to protect seniors from fraud that destroys their hard-earned retirement.
4- We fought retail theft through our specialized team and brought down multiple organized retail crime rings to protect small and large businesses.
5- We served over 5,000 vulnerable victims at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, removing them from a sure path to homelessness and despair. We continue to work to obtain justice for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, hate crimes, organized retail theft, fentanyl poisoning, environmental and consumer fraud, elder abuse, sex crimes, child abuse and many more.
You can read our detailed Annual Report for 2023 by going to SanDiegoDAannualReport.com or visit SanDiegoDA.com and click on 2023 Annual Report.
DA Honors ‘Cops of the Quarter’ at One Safe Place
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan joined our team at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center to honor Sheriff Kelly Martinez and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department with the “Cops of the Quarter” Award last week. The honored team members pictured have shown valor, compassion and dedication in service to our survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking.
The awardees included Captain Kevin Ralph and the SDSO San Marcos substation, deputies, detectives and crime prevention specialists that have truly gone above and beyond every day, giving our survivors a voice and ensuring that every effort is made to bring them hope, healing and justice.
The SDSO teams have been a vital part of the collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners at One Safe Place and we are thankful for their support to our survivors and staff.
Please join us in congratulating the following honorees:
- Captain Kevin Ralph & SDSO San Marcos Substation
- Deputy Michael Benninger
- Crime Prevention Specialist Nhu Le-Brown
- Det. Natalie Rivera
- Det. Ronald Bushnell
- Deputy Ricardo Andrade
- Deputy Michael Lee
- Detective Charles Eglin
- Deputy Thomas Nelson
To learn more about One Safe Place, click here.
No Cost Haircuts for Families in Need at One Safe Place
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the no cost haircut service at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center continues to be a success and is just one of many resources at the center available to victims of violence and abuse. Haircuts are provided at One Safe Place by volunteer hairdressers from local salons in the county.
“The idea behind providing this service is to empower and lift up those who are emerging from abusive or violent situations,” DA Stephan said. “Something as seemingly small as a haircut can help build confidence and self-esteem when taking on new independence in their lives, going to a job interview or just wanting a change to signify their past is not defining their future. We are grateful to the volunteers who provide this wonderful service and precious time to help those in need.”
[WATCH a video about the No Cost Haircuts at One Safe Place, HERE]
The small salon is attached to the Dress to Thrive Boutique, a space within One Safe Place where non-profit partners provide no cost emergency clothing in all sizes for families escaping abuse and for those in need.
“Many folks who come through our doors are coming on their most broken day or escaping abuse or violence in the home. They’ve been told what they can and can’t do, including what their hair should and should not look like,” said Tracy Prior, Chief Deputy DA and Chief Operating Officer of One Safe Place. “This is a place where they can choose for themselves an item of clothing to wear, or how they want to wear their hair or to simply gain confidence to take on a new independence in their lives.”
Since the opening of One Safe Place in July 2022, there have been more than 90 no cost haircuts given to guests thanks to several volunteer hairdressers who provide the service once a week. Debbie Duran from Top of the Line Cuts in Vista is one of them because she wanted to give back to One Safe Place.
“They helped me with my daughter, so now I feel like I need to help these kids and make them smile and come out with a haircut,” Duran said. “After I leave here doing everybody’s hair, I feel good, because I see these kids or their parents walking out with a smile. I can relate to where they’re coming from because I can tell them that my kids experienced trauma but were helped, and it makes them feel better knowing that they can go forward in life.”
Amy, who recently moved from out of state after a family tragedy, came to One Safe Place in search of services to help her and her three children get back on their feet. This haircut service was just one of the many resources that they received.
“It’s a confidence booster, it makes you feel good about yourself, you look clean-cut and you’re ready to take on the school year,” Amy said about the haircuts her three teenage children got at One Safe Place. “From the moment that we walked in and found out about all the services available and the support that is provided to moms and children, I literally told the person who I met with at first that I had felt so alone up until that moment.”
The volunteer hairdressers who make this service possible at One Safe Place include:
Maria Templeton, who owns Elements Salon in San Marcos, Amanda Roush with Lash Beauty Bar in Wildomar, Debbie Duran from Top of the Line Cuts in Vista, and Chanelle Simpson with Utopia Style Lounge in Encinitas.
One Safe Place, located in San Marcos, provides free support services to anyone who has experienced family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crimes, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, or other crimes. Child and adult victims of abuse and their families can walk through the doors and receive acute crisis-care, forensic medical exams, advocacy, counseling and therapy, legal services such as restraining orders, connections to a safe shelter and housing, long term mentoring, workforce readiness, clothing, and educational opportunities all under one roof.
No Cost Haircuts for Families in Need
Volunteer hairdressers provide haircuts to families in need at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center. Watch more in the VIDEO below.
Read more details, HERE.
‘Cafecito con la Comunidad’ Offers Resources in Spanish
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that monthly “Cafecito con la Comunidad” (Coffee with the Community) events are providing the Spanish-speaking community in North County easier access to vital resources, such as services for domestic violence survivors, education on preventing human trafficking, elder abuse, financial scams, and much more.
The Spanish only events are held every second Friday of the month at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos. The topics at the gatherings are focused on public safety and are organized by District Attorney Community Partnership Prosecutor Monique Myers, Dra. Beatriz Villarreal from Mano a Mano Foundation, and One Safe Place Executive Director Claudia Grasso.
WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT CAFECITO CON LA COMUNIDAD, HERE.
The latest Cafecito con la Comunidad had over 50 attendees, including women, men and children, who feel more comfortable obtaining information in Spanish. Some attendees are trying to get out of an abusive relationship. In fact, one domestic violence survivor with her young child left her abuser after attending one of the Cafecitos and is currently receiving services at One Safe Place.
During another Cafecitos where a domestic violence survivor shared her story about seeing her little boy mimic the violent behavior of her abusive husband, another of the attendees was inspired to seek help and resources from One Safe Place.
“I’m so honored to connect with our Hispanic community in this unique and comfortable manner to better serve victims, survivors and community members at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center,” said DA Stephan. “The interest in the Cafecito con la Comunidad events is a great example of empowering the community by providing information, education, and services. Seeing the larger crowds every meeting means there’s a feeling of trust and comfort which helps build safer families and safer neighborhoods.”
A recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the DA’s Office and the Mexican Consulate now includes the Consulate’s participation in these free informative events every month. The Cafecitos con la Comunidad are completely in Spanish and they take place the second Friday of every month at 10 a.m., at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, which is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. The next Cafecito con la Comunidad will be on September 8, at 10 a.m. and the topic is on “Drugs and Mental Health: What is their relationship? Myths and Resources.” There is no need to register in advance. You can see a flyer with the list of the upcoming meetings and topics, here: CAFECITO CON LA COMUNIDAD – FLYER.
“Cafecito con la Comunidad” Provides Access to Resources in Spanish
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that monthly “Cafecito con la Comunidad” (Coffee with the Community) events are providing the Spanish-speaking community in North County easier access to vital resources, such as services for domestic violence survivors, education on preventing human trafficking, elder abuse, financial scams, and much more.
The Spanish only events are held every second Friday of the month at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos. The topics at the gatherings are focused on public safety and are organized by District Attorney Community Partnership Prosecutor Monique Myers, Dra. Beatriz Villarreal from Mano a Mano Foundation, and One Safe Place Executive Director Claudia Grasso. Details in the VIDEO below.
Read more about it, HERE.
DA Partners with Mexican Consulate to Provide Services at One Safe Place
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today the partnership between the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for the Mexican Consulate to locate at the DA’s One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center and provide services. The partnership was solidified during the first anniversary celebration of the opening of One Safe Place in San Marcos, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
“This collaboration with the Mexican Consulate helps strengthen the bridge with the Latino community and will help enhance their trust in reporting and seeking help when victimized. We know from experience, that domestic violence and human trafficking victims are often threatened by their abusers with deportation which keeps them trapped in the cycle of violence,” said DA Stephan. “Together we can work to ensure that victims who seek services at One Safe Place, where the Mexican Consulate will now be an onsite partner, receive culturally sensitive help in their native language, that will focus on safety, justice and healing.”
[See video of signing ceremony here]
Since opening last summer, One Safe Place has served 2,845 individuals, provided legal services to 781 people, and received more than 6,800 calls to their helpline. One Safe Place provides support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. This is all in collaboration with over 90 community organizations and agencies like the Mexican Consulate.
Together, the Mexican Consulate and One Safe Place have hosted events on wellness, have promoted first generation students with college connections and provided Consulate services at One Safe Place to meet the needs of our North County community and alleviate those with transportation barriers who are unable to travel to the Consulate main office in downtown San Diego. The MOU further creates opportunities for collaboration between the Mexican Consulate and One Safe Place in outreach and prevention work, including the Consulate’s participation in the free informative community events “Cafecito Con La Comunidad” that take place the second Friday of every month at One Safe Place.
“I am here today to send a clear message to our community: Victims should not remain silent when abused just because they fear deportation,” Consul General Carlos González Gutiérrez said. “The Mexican Consulate in San Diego has an extensive reach into the immigrant community in the county and will continue to invite immigrants to raise their voice, as there is no reason why they must live with abuse. We truly value our partnership with One Safe Place and hope, with their help via this MOU, to expand our reach of services and empower those victimized in our community.”
The signing ceremony of the MOU coincided with the one-year anniversary celebration of the opening of One Safe Place that featured a breakfast and program with community partners, including San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, Carlsbad Police Chief Mickey Williams, Escondido Police Chief Ed Varso, CEO of Palomar Health Diane Hansen, among others.
One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center is located at 1050 Los Vallecitos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.
DA and Mexican Consulate Sign MOU at One Safe Place
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today the partnership between the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for the Mexican Consulate to locate at the DA’s One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center and provide services. The partnership was solidified during the first anniversary celebration of the opening of One Safe Place in San Marcos, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Details in the VIDEO below.
Read more details, HERE.