Committee Files Measure to Create Office of Victim and Witness Services and Right to Civil Counsel for Domestic‑Violence Victims

The Rules Committee on Feb. 14 filed a supervisor‑sponsored initiative to create an Office of Victim and Witness Services and to provide a right to civil counsel for victims of domestic violence.

Andy Mullen, representing Supervisor Stephanie (primary sponsor), said the initiative would establish an office outside law enforcement to consolidate fragmented victim services currently spread across the District Attorney’s Office, Department on the Status of Women, Department of Public Health, Human Rights Commission, and other agencies. The office would be mandated to produce, within one year of the director’s appointment, an ordinance identifying existing victim‑service offerings, associated staff and funding, and a consolidation plan to be considered by the Board of Supervisors.

The ordinance would also create a civil‑counsel program for domestic‑violence victims modeled on San Francisco’s tenant right‑to‑counsel program. The sponsor estimated 500–800 clients in early years and an annual civil‑counsel cost of $1 million–$3 million, subject to appropriation by the Mayor and Board.

Peg Stevenson of the Comptroller’s Performance Group confirmed a controller letter in the committee packet estimating roughly $1 million in startup staffing and operational costs related to the ordinance’s initial activities; ongoing program costs would be subject to future budget proposals.

Supervisor Chan asked how existing services such as SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) would be affected; Mullen said the ordinance is deliberately cautious and requires the director’s consolidation plan to identify any impacts, which would then be subject to Board review and votes. Committee members signaled broad support and the committee voted to file the hearing without objection.

Filing the hearing does not enact the office; it begins opportunities for further ordinance drafting, budget analysis and public oversight before any final legislative or ballot action.