The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General of the state of Baja California have recently announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at providing crucial services to crime victims on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. This collaboration seeks to ensure that victims do not have to cross the border to access vital resources and support.
Partnership for Cross-Border Support
The newly formed partnership between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General of Baja California is a significant step towards improving the services available to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, hate crimes, and abuse. By bridging the efforts of One Safe Place, a family justice center in San Marcos managed by the DA’s Office, and the State of Baja California Justice Center for Women in Tijuana, this collaboration aims to offer victims legal, mental health, and social services in either country.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing cross-border crime, stating, “Criminals who prey on victims for human trafficking, exploitation, and violence know no borders. With this partnership, we will work together to provide vital services on both sides of the border to ensure victims can access the help they need regardless of where they live or work.”
International Collaboration for Victim Support
One Safe Place has become the first family justice center with an international partnership, setting a precedent for cross-border cooperation in victim support services. This collaboration not only facilitates access to essential resources for victims but also strengthens the bonds between law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
Attorney General of Baja California, Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez, emphasized the need for comprehensive care for victims of gender violence, stating, “Violence against women, children, and vulnerable people leaves a deep mark on their lives. It is necessary to develop protocols to guarantee sensitive care for victims of gender violence. We are grateful to 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.”
Consular Support for Victims
In addition to the collaboration between the prosecutorial offices, the Mexican Consulate has renewed its agreement to provide resources at One Safe Place. This partnership aims to assist victims who may face challenges in accessing support at the Consulate’s downtown San Diego office. Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Alicia Kerber-Palma, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in addressing domestic violence and supporting victims, stating, “It is crucial that we work together to provide support to victims and prevent future cases of abuse. Consular assistance and the protection of Mexican communities abroad constitute the highest priority of our foreign policy.”
This collaborative effort between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General of Baja California, and the Mexican Consulate highlights the commitment of both countries to addressing cross-border crime and providing essential services to victims. By working together to offer comprehensive support to victims of violence and abuse, these agencies are setting a precedent for international cooperation in victim advocacy and protection.