""It's extremely scary as someone who's been through the trauma of having to go to jail as a result of trying to speak up. We don't get the legal assistance we need, and therefore we feel that we don't have a voice.""
"In 2022, voters approved Proposition D, which created the Office of Victim and Witness Rights, tasked with establishing a right to legal counsel for survivors of domestic violence, but no funds were allocated for its operation."
"San Francisco has slashed spending in recent years to address a yawning budget deficit, with Mayor Daniel Lurie directing all departments to make cuts to close the city's $900 million shortfall."
Pajares experienced homelessness after leaving her abuser and sought help from Compass Family Services. She has not secured a restraining order and finds navigating the legal system daunting. San Francisco created the Office of Victim and Witness Rights to provide legal counsel for domestic violence survivors, but it lacks funding and remains inactive. Budget cuts have affected support services, and while overall crime has decreased, domestic violence rates have fluctuated, highlighting ongoing challenges for survivors seeking assistance.
Read at Kqed
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