A new partnership was announced Friday between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General of the state of Baja California, which officials say will prevent crime victims from needing to cross the border in order to receive vital services and resources.
The agreement between the two prosecutorial offices bridges the efforts between One Safe Place — a family justice center managed by the DA’s Office in San Marcos that serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, hate crimes, and abuse — and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women in Tijuana.
At a news conference announcing the partnership, officials said it meant victims on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border can receive much needed legal, mental health, and social services in either country.
“Criminals who prey on victims for human trafficking, exploitation and violence know no borders,” San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said.
“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.”
The agreement makes One Safe Place the first family justice center with an international partnership, according to the District Attorney’s office.
“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,” Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez, Attorney General of Baja California, said.
“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.”
Friday’s announcement also included a renewed agreement for the Mexican Consulate to provide resources at One Safe Place, a collaboration that the organizations say assists victims who have difficulties traveling to the Consulate’s downtown San Diego office.
“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.”
