MESSAGE FROM CATHERINE

Dear John,

One week ago, a seven-month-old baby was brought to the emergency room at CPMC Van Ness, where he died. His alleged killer had been arrested and presented to the District Attorney in two separate cases related to domestic violence earlier this year, but the District Attorney chose not to pursue those cases. 

This killing was tragic and preventable.

Even more disturbing, it appears to be part of a larger trend of the District Attorney’s refusal to seek justice for victims of domestic violence. In the final three months of 2020, the Police Department presented 131 felony domestic violence cases to the District Attorney. He dismissed 113 of those cases, including 13 of the 19 involving children. 

San Franciscans deserve accountability—not only from those who commit crimes, but also from their government. 

That’s why today I called for legislation that will require the Police Department and the District Attorney to publish information on domestic violence cases each month, including how many the Police Department presents to the District Attorney, how many the District Attorney pursues, the types of charges the District Attorney seeks, and the final outcomes of those cases. 

Continuing to permit dangerous individuals to harm our communities, without meaningful intervention, is not reform. It’s dereliction of duty. I hope you will join me in demanding accountability. 

Sincerely,
Catherine

Office of Supervisor Catherine Stefani
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 273, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 554-7752 Fax: (415) 554-7843